Suspect in Gang Rape, Abduction and Phone-Snatching Cases Arrested After Identification Parade

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Thika West have arrested a wanted suspect believed to be linked to cases of abduction, gang rape and phone-snatching incidents reported in the area.

In a statement on Thursday, September 10, the agency said the suspect, Crispus Mwangi Gitambi, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Athena area, where detectives found him inside his rented house.

"Detectives from DCI Thika West have arrested a wanted suspect believed to be linked to cases of abduction, gang rape and a series of phone-snatching incidents reported within the area," the statement read.

According to DCI, during the operation, detectives also recovered a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen and believed to have been used in some of the phone-snatching incidents.

"During the operation, the detectives also recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle, registration number KMGS 004N, a black TVS, which is believed to have been used in some of the phone-snatching incidents," the statement added.

Following his arrest, Gitambi was subjected to an identification parade in connection with an ongoing case before the Thika Law Courts.

"Following his arrest, the suspect was subjected to an identification parade, during which he was positively identified in connection with an ongoing case of abduction and gang rape pending before the Thika Law Courts.

"He was also positively identified in connection with four other robbery cases currently under investigation," the statement further read.

The DCI said detectives had intensified investigations to establish the full extent of the suspect's alleged involvement in the offences and determine whether other individuals were involved.

"The detectives have since intensified investigations to establish the full extent of the suspect's involvement in the reported offences and identify any other persons who may have been involved," the statement concluded.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of the ongoing investigations.

This comes a day after detectives arrested three suspects in connection with a TikTok gang-rape scheme.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, the DCI confirmed that the detectives arrested three suspects, including a 17-year-old boy.

According to the agency, the suspects lured innocent victims on TikTok on the pretext of friendly encounters, before raping and robbing them.

"Preliminary investigations have established that the suspects allegedly operated an anonymous TikTok page, using it to initiate contact with their victims and arrange physical meetings. 

"Once the women agreed to meet, they were allegedly led to secluded or abandoned areas, where what began as seemingly ordinary encounters turned into terrifying ordeals of sexual violence and robbery," the statement read in part.

The DCI added that the victims were forced to transfer money from their mobile money wallets before surrendering their mobile phones and other valuables to the suspects.

The three, Emmanuel Borsire Arisa, Ismail Ouru Arisa and Brian Gatheru Nderitu, were positively identified by victims from separate incidents.

Police officers further recovered six mobile phones from the suspects, who are alleged to be part of a wider criminal network.

Additionally, the DCI warned young Kenyans to be careful about online meet-ups, urging them to always prioritise their security.

"Never let someone you have just met online lead you into a secluded or isolated place; meet in a safe, public setting and ensure someone you trust knows your whereabouts. In the digital world, not every friendly profile is what it appears to be; what looks like an innocent invitation can quickly become a deadly trap," the statement added.