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Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect is part of an organised criminal network that uses a stupefying substance commonly known as “mchele” to incapacitate victims.
Nyaribo said his administration was not aware of the additional 20 bodies and noted that they would have sought permission to bury them.
In a statement on Sunday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the operation, conducted on March 28, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), prompting a coordinated response with the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Lungalunga.
The suspects allegedly abducted and coerced victims into revealing M-Pesa PINs before abandoning them in Kimende Forest, Kiambu County. Police said investigations are ongoing, with a key accomplice still at large.
Investigators say the case began in October 2025 when the complainant, an Australian national, was in Dubai and met a man identified as Marshall Morrison, who allegedly claimed to be an American investor.
The operation uncovered a sophisticated criminal network that combined insider knowledge from military members with civilian accomplices, raising concerns about security breaches within disciplined forces.
The intelligence-led operation targeted a vehicle intercepted near Spur Mall in Gwa Kairu, Kiambu County.
The three, identified as Alex Wanjiku alias Aleko, Job Wachira Wanjohi, and Francis Kinyanjui Wanjiku alias Kinyaa, were arrested at around 0104 hours. Police said the operation was swift and carefully planned following receipt of intelligence on their whereabouts.
According to the statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), supported by personnel from Matisi Police Station, raided a residence near Airport Church in Lessos, arresting the suspects, Silas Wanjala, 24 and Job Kiberenge Sikuku, 28.
In an update on the matter, the DCI said Tuju was reported missing by his family on Sunday, March 22, 2026. His motor vehicle was discovered abandoned along Miotoni Lane with its hazard lights on.
In a statement released on March 22, 2026, the DCI says preliminary findings indicate that thirteen unclaimed bodies were officially released from Nyamira County Referral Hospital and transported to Kericho for burial on the morning of March 20, 2026.
In a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the suspects, reportedly armed with a pistol and crude weapons, had been robbing members of the public in the Makaburini area before attacking officers on patrol, prompting a shootout in which one was killed and two escaped with injuries.