Police in Meru County have arrested six men connected to a brutal gang rape incident that shocked residents of Laare Town on December 1, 2025.

The attack, which occurred during a traditional circumcision procession, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for tighter community policing and regulation of cultural events.

According to officers at Laare Police Station, the incident came to light after distressed members of the public made an urgent call reporting that a young woman had been violently assaulted by a group of men taking part in the street procession.

When officers rushed to the scene, they found the victim in a deeply traumatic state — her clothes torn, her body injured, and her spirit visibly shattered. The police immediately rescued her and arranged urgent medical care at Nyambene Hospital.

In the hours that followed, detectives mounted an intensive manhunt, determined to track down every individual involved. Leveraging forensic intelligence, officers conducted coordinated raids in Irinde, Lubwa, and Kiarama, eventually smoking out six suspects from their hideouts.

“Law Enforcement Officers from Laare Police Station have apprehended six suspects linked to a horrifying gang rape incident that occurred on December 1, 2025, in Laare Town, within Igembe North Sub-County. 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,” DCI stated.

“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.”

The arrested individuals have been identified as:

• Dennis Mwirigi
• Ismael Gichuge
• Elijah Muriki
• Isaac Ntomauta
• Joseph Marete
• Phineas Mutali

These six join three other suspects who were arrested earlier on the same day of the attack. All nine are currently in custody, undergoing processing as detectives prepare to present them in court.

Police say the investigation is far from over.

“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 statement read.

“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.”

The National Police Service is calling on anyone with further information to come forward, emphasising that all reports will be treated confidentially.

As the victim receives ongoing medical and psychological support, law enforcement officers have vowed that no perpetrator will evade the long arm of justice.