Police have arrested nine suspects linked to the gang-r@pe of a young woman during a traditional circumcision procession in Kenya. The horrific assault captured on video and circulated online, occurred on December 1, 2025, in Laare Town, Meru County. The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in a statement on Wednesday, December 3, disclosed that officers from Laare Police Station arrested six suspects. They joined three other suspects who were arrested on the day of the incident. According to the Director of DCI, members of the public called Laare Police Station claiming that a young woman was being s3xually assaulted by a group of men participating in a traditional circumcision procession. Officers then proceeded to the scene where they found the victim in a state of despair and her clothes torn, rushing her to Nyambene Hospital for medical attention. A manhunt was swiftly launched, leading to the arrest of Dennis Mwirigi, Ismael Gichuge, Elijah Muriki, Isaac Ntomauta, Joseph Marete, and Phineas Mutali. "Law Enforcement Officers from Laare Police Station have apprehended six suspects linked to a horrifying gang r@pe incident that occurred on December 1, 2025, in Laare Town, within Igembe North Sub-County," the statement read. "On that day, a distress call was received from members of the public, revealing a young woman in grave danger, being gang raped by a group of men participating in a traditional circumcision procession. "Responding swiftly, officers proceeded to the scene where they found the victim in a state of utter despair; her clothes torn, and her spirit bruised. They escorted her to Nyambene Hospital for medical attention. "Determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, law enforcement officers launched an extensive manhunt. "Utilising forensic leads, they executed targeted raids in Irinde, Lubwa, and Kiarama areas, successfully flushing the six suspects: Dennis Mwirigi, Ismael Gichuge, Elijah Muriki, Isaac Ntomauta, Joseph Marete and Phineas Mutali out of their hiding outs, subsequently arresting them. "The six now join three suspects previously arrested on December 1, 2025, all currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment. As the investigation unfolds, detectives remain relentlessly focused on identifying and apprehending additional suspects involved in this heinous crime, ensuring that no perpetrator evades justice. Meanwhile, the suspects were arraigned in court on Wednesday. The prosecution has successfully requested that the suspects be detained until 10th December 2025 as investigations continue. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is now set to be enjoined in the case. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko announcing a Sh300,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of any remaining suspects. Sonko, who highlighted the incident on his social media platforms, described the attack as inhumane, criminal, and unacceptable, urging swift and firm justice for the survivor. He added that his team is coordinating with local law enforcement in Meru and encouraged residents to anonymously share any leads that could aid the ongoing investigation. The assault has stirred public fury, prompting rights groups and community leaders to demand accountability and stronger measures to protect women and girls. Sonko further urged Kenyans to stand with survivors of s3xual violence, condemning the rising cases of attacks targeting women and calling for collective action to confront the menace.
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