Man Arrested in Ruiru Over Alleged Robbery and Biting Attacks

Police in Ruiru have arrested a 35-year-old man suspected of carrying out a series of violent attacks in which victims were robbed and bitten. 

The suspect, identified as Githaiga from Mugutha, was detained on Saturday after members of the public cornered him near the Powerstar area. Police said the arrest followed an incident in which the suspect, who was reportedly intoxicated, bit a woman who was with him, causing a serious injury to her lower lip. 

Ruiru Sub-County Police Commander Charles Kibathi said both the suspect and the woman were taken to hospital for treatment. Detectives are investigating whether the suspect is linked to earlier attacks that have unsettled residents in Ruiru and neighbouring Gitothua Ward.

Some residents said the latest incident resulted from a dispute between the suspect and the woman after they had spent the night together. Others believe he is the same man responsible for the attacks reported since mid-July. Victims have described being confronted at night, robbed of their belongings and bitten, leaving several with serious injuries.

One of the recent victims, Daniel Ndegwa, said he was attacked on 11 July while walking to a shopping centre. He reported that the attacker demanded his phone before biting his finger during a struggle, injuring his hand. His companion was also bitten. In another incident, a victim suffered severe facial injuries after part of his cheek was allegedly bitten off.

The attacks have affected daily life in Ruiru, with many residents avoiding the streets after dark. Community leader Severino Githinji criticised the security situation and called for increased police patrols, saying residents were living in fear. Kibathi said police would intensify operations and continue investigations to establish whether the suspect acted alone or with others.

The first official report of the attacks was made on 11 July, and more incidents have since been reported. Investigators are now working to determine whether the arrested man was responsible for all of the attacks or whether more than one person was involved. Kibathi urged residents to continue cooperating with police and to report any information that could assist the investigation.