THIKA, Kenya — Detectives have arrested a wanted suspect allegedly linked to a series of offences including abduction, gang rape and phone-snatching during an intelligence-led operation in Athena, Thika West.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Crispus Mwangi Gitambi, who was arrested inside his rented house after detectives traced him to the area.
During the operation, detectives also recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle, registration number KMGS 004N, a black TVS motorcycle believed to have been used in some of the phone-snatching incidents.
Suspect identified in multiple cases
Following his arrest, Gitambi was subjected to an identification parade, where the DCI said he was positively identified in connection with an ongoing abduction and gang rape case before the Thika Law Courts.
The agency said the suspect was also positively identified in connection with four other robbery cases currently under investigation.
“He was also positively identified in connection with four other robbery cases currently under investigation,” the DCI said.
Detectives have intensified investigations to establish the full extent of Gitambi’s alleged involvement and determine whether other people were involved in the reported offences.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court once detectives complete the ongoing investigations.
DCI probes online-linked gang rape cases
The arrest comes as the DCI intensifies its crackdown on crimes allegedly facilitated through online platforms, including robbery and sexual violence.
Recently, detectives arrested three suspects accused of using TikTok to lure victims, including a 17-year-old boy.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Borsire Arisa, Ismail Ouru Arisa and Brian Gatheru Nderitu.
According to the DCI, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly operated an anonymous TikTok page which they used to contact victims and arrange physical meetings.
“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,” the DCI said.
Detectives alleged that once the women agreed to meet, they were led to secluded or abandoned areas, where the encounters allegedly turned into incidents of sexual violence and robbery.
The agency said victims were allegedly forced to transfer money from their mobile money wallets before surrendering their phones and other valuables.
The three suspects were positively identified by victims in separate incidents, according to the DCI.
Detectives also recovered six mobile phones from the suspects, who are alleged to be part of a wider criminal network.
DCI warns against meeting strangers online
The DCI urged young Kenyans to exercise caution when meeting people they first encounter on social media and to prioritise their safety.
The agency advised people to arrange meetings in public places and ensure that trusted friends or relatives know their whereabouts.
“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,” the DCI warned.
The agency further cautioned that seemingly friendly online profiles may conceal criminal intentions.
The investigations into both cases remain ongoing, and the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
