Former Mwea Member of Parliament Peter Njuguna Gitau has been arrested by Kenyan police as part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of county government vehicles in Murang’a County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that Gitau is one of several suspects linked to the disappearance of two garbage collection trucks last year. The stolen lorries – an Isuzu FVZ (KDQ 845T) and an Isuzu FRR (KDL 078W) taken from Gatanga Sub‑County in August 2025 – were later located by investigators in Makupa, Mombasa County, fitted with fake license plates in an apparent attempt to conceal their origin.
Vehicles Recovered and Investigation Details
According to police, both trucks were found with altered registration numbers:
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Isuzu FVZ carrying counterfeit plate KDV 449C
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Isuzu FRR carrying fake plate KCA 505D
The DCI’s elite Operation Support Unit (OSU) led the intelligence‑driven effort that traced the vehicles from Murang’a to Mombasa. The recovered trucks are now held by DCI Gatanga, where they’re undergoing further processing before being returned to the rightful owners.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Gitau, alongside four others identified as Mark Kinyua, Erick Chege, David Kigo, and Joseph Ndung’u Waweru, was apprehended as part of the probe into the syndicate suspected of orchestrating the theft.
In court appearances related to an earlier detention, Gitau pleaded not guilty and was released on a KSh 20,000 bond by Principal Magistrate Stephen Mbungi at the Kerugoya court.
Political Background and Public Reaction
Peter Gitau previously served as Mwea MP following elections in 2007 and 2013 and has remained politically active, including attempts to run for the governorship and pursue another parliamentary term in 2027. His arrest has reignited debate among constituents and in media circles about accountability and the role of public figures in organized crime.
This case highlights broader concerns over the theft of government assets and the sophisticated tactics used by criminal networks to disguise stolen vehicles. Kenyan authorities continue their efforts to dismantle such syndicates and ensure those responsible face justice.
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