Murang'a: Dreaded 'Axe Man' Strikes Again, Kills 1 Before Robbing Resident KSh 12k

• The 'Axe Man,' locally known as 'Wagathanwa,' targeted a 60-year-old man, Peter Kamau, in Kigoro village, Maragua Ridge, seeking to steal KSh 12,000
• Kamau's wife, Jane Waruguru, and two other family members suffered head injuries during the encounter with the thug.
• Despite pleas and surrendering money, the axe man brutally attacked Kamau, leading to his collapse and eventual demise

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Murang'a - A 60-year-old man in Kigoro village in Maragua Ridge is the latest victim of the dreaded 'Axe Man', locally known as 'Wagathanwa'.

The man who was possibly stalking his victim, Peter Kamau, broke into the house late in the night to steal KSh 12000, the proceeds of a goat sale.

Kamau's wife, Jane Waruguru, was also left nursing head injuries alongside two other family members following their encounter with the man.

The thug first went to Naomi Nyambura’s home and demanded the money, but she remained adamant that she did not have it.

He dragged her out of the house and took her to Kamau’s home, where he hit Nyambura on the head, injuring her.

"He knocked on the door and entered. Inside, he took the axe and torch, shining it in my eyes. He demanded money, but I told him I didn't have any. So, he flipped the mattress, searching for money. I insisted I had none, and he told me to go down and find our relative. I said I didn't know where he was.

He then forcefully dragged me, as if taking me to another house. At the kitchen door, he hit me, and I fell," she narrated.

How did Kamau die

The axe man reportedly hit Kamau on the head with force, and he collapsed instantly.

Waruguru pleaded with the man to stop beating him, adding that she would produce the money.

She was also hit on the head as she handed over the money to the assailant, who left with two mobile phones.

"From there, we started screaming, calling for help, and we also contacted another brother-in-law. He then looked for a car, came to pick up the old man, and we went together with his wife. Upon arrival, the old man didn't stay long; he was rushed into an ambulance, presumably to be taken to Kenyatta Hospital for imaging. In a short while, we were informed that he had passed away," she said.

Murang'a police arrest notorious criminal

A man who has been terrorising residents of Mbiri has finally been arrested following a police operation.

Samuel Mwangi Maina, also known as the axe man, was apprehended on Thursday, August 17, in Kenol Town, Maragua.

Maina's victims alleged he would break window panes and cut off the grills with the axe to gain access into their homes.

Murang'a police commander David Kainga said once inside the house. The man would sprinkle petrol all over the place and threaten to burn down the home if they failed to cooperate.