Education News: Police arrest prime suspect in head-teacher kidnapping in Kirinyaga

Detectives in Kirinyaga East Sub‑County have arrested the main suspect behind the abduction of Joshua Kerai, the head teacher of Gatuto Primary School, in Kagumo, Kirinyaga County. The incident took place on Tuesday, 4 November 2025Key details
Kerai was reportedly forced into a maroon Toyota Ractis (registration KCP 816F) by three assailants. He was held in the vehicle for several hours and later abandoned at Sahara Petrol Station in Kutus Town, where a passer‑by found him in distress and took him to Kerugoya Catholic Hospital for treatment.
The suspect arrested has been identified as Patrick Gachoki Muembe (also reported simply as Patrick Gacoki Muembe). Investigators say he is a serial offender, linked to vehicle theft, livestock theft, robberies and break‑ins in Kirinyaga East.
The two accomplices remain at large, and detectives have launched a manhunt to apprehend them.
Implications & responses
The case has reignited concerns over security around school administrators and educators in rural and semi‑rural counties. Community leaders are calling for enhanced protection measures for schools and staff.
The DCI is treating the case as high priority, using forensic evidence (including vehicle registration databases, CCTV footage, and DNA/fingerprint data from the abandoned car) to link the suspect to the crime
What’s next
The suspect will face arraignment as investigations continue. The two other suspects must still be found, which may lead to further arrests and possibly disrupt the broader criminal network.
The public is being asked to assist with information, particularly via the DCI tip‑lines, to help bring the remaining suspects to justic