Detectives have apprehended Simon Gitonga, a notorious robbery suspect widely known as ‘The Axe Man’, who has been linked to a series of high-profile robberies across Central Kenya.
The 54-year-old man had managed to evade capture for an extended period but was finally brought to justice following an operation led by detectives from the elite Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau, in collaboration with a specialized team from Imenti North and Murang’a County.
Simon was taken into custody on Monday after the joint operation conducted by the Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau and the combined forces of Imenti North and Murang’a County detectives.
According to a statement released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Simon Gitonga has been implicated in a string of robberies that have rattled residents of Juja in Kiambu County and various localities in Murang’a County.
“Simon Gitonga, alias ‘The Axe Man’ was arrested following an operation by sleuths from the elite Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau, augmented by a contingent of detectives from Imenti North and Murang’a County,” the DCI statement read.
A man suspected to be the mastermind behind the spate of robberies that have rocked Juja in Kiambu County and parts of Murang’a County, has been arrested by detectives.
Simon Gitonga, alias ‘The Axe Man’ was arrested following an operation by sleuths from the elite Crime… pic.twitter.com/3YtrajRQOY
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) August 31, 2023
His notoriety had earned him the moniker ‘The Axe Man’, and the weapon of choice he reportedly employed during his criminal exploits.
His criminal history and the severity of the robberies he was involved in had prompted the issuance of a warrant for his arrest by the Thika law courts.
“The 54-year-old man who is a serial offender has been on the run and has a warrant of arrest issued by the Thika law courts, for his arrest,” the DCI statement clarified.
During the operation that led to his arrest, law enforcement officers successfully recovered a sharpened machete.
