A boda boda rider who allegedly raped a Spanish journalist in Parklands, Nairobi on November 6, 2019 before robbing her of Ksh16,000, has been arrested.
For over 127 days, the suspect, Dennis Wekesa Wanjala, who had changed both his mobile telephone number and employer, eluded the police but on Thursday night (March 12), he was apprehended.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives, the victim, a Spanish national aged 23, had hailed a boda boda through Bolt Kenya Ltd (formerly Taxify) to take her to Kileleshwa from her residence in Parklands.
The rider picked her from Parklands’ Anahita Apartments and they left for Vanilla Park Apartments along Siaya Road in Kileleshwa
However, along the way, at a place the victim has not been able to identify, the rider allegedly raped and robbed her of her bag containing Ksh16,000 and other personal effects. He, thereafter, dumped her and took off.
The victim told the police that she also lost her mobile phone during the incident.
She was later rushed to Aga Khan Hospital, where she was treated and discharged. The matter was later reported to the police and investigations launched.
The following morning at 9.34am, the victim received an email from Bolt indicating that the trip had cost Ksh200 and that the rider was Dennis.
Investigations revealed that the suspect was Dennis Wekesa, the holder of ID card number 31599348.
After the incident, the suspect changed his phone number and joined another taxi company. He also acquired a new motorcycle of registration plate KMEY 157A.
Following Wekesa’s arrest Thursday, he is expected to be arraigned on Monday, March 16.
The suspect now stares at a possible 10-year jail term if convicted.
