At least 80 suspected Nairobi muggers arrested in operation

At least 80 suspects were arrested in an operation targeting a new crop of muggers who have invaded parts of Nairobi City Centre.

Police said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday in the exercise and vowed it would continue for days to get rid of the new gang.

Some of the attackers are said to be street children who have been using human waste as a tool to rob their targets.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Sedah said they have dispatched teams to patrol the city and address the menace.

“It is under control, and the teams have so far managed to nab 80 suspects who are under interrogation for more. We have sent more teams, including those from the county government, to join in the operation,” he said.

On Wednesday, 3rd September, Nairobi County announced a joint crackdown with the National Police Service on the criminal elements after the alleged surge in mugging incidents.

Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria made the announcement following widespread social media outcry and disturbing video testimonies from citizens who alleged to have fallen victim to robberies.

According to several victims, these youthful criminal gangs have been operating around the Hilton roundabout, down the entirety of Tom Mboya Street, with others camping several metres away from the Galitos restaurant, from where they launch their attacks or stealthily follow their victims in the evening and late at night.

Some of the people who have shared their experiences online claim that the criminals are mostly young boys who operate in gangs and are armed – some, it has been reported, are even threatening to hurl human faeces onto uncooperative victims.

According to other victims, some of these gangs of young men are posing as content creators with small cameras and sheepish smiles before suddenly turning into menacing rascals who brandish knives and other blunt objects.

Other victims claim they were robbed as they sat in moving matatus, while boarding or alighting.

Kenyans have recently shared their experiences after being mugged, dragged and having their items stolen in the streets of Nairobi.

In videos posted on social media, the victims of theft in Nairobi CBD warned Kenyans to be careful while in town during the evening hours.

According to them, the thieves target people’s phones and bags to steal valuable goods.

“To all my followers and those watching this video, be careful because phones are being stolen in the CBD. Theft cases have increased in town, and many people have shared with me their experiences. People have complained that their phones have been stolen while in a matatu or while they were alighting,” a social media user shared in a video.

Police, however, said there has been no such report made to them.

The operation was launched following the social media complaints, police said, adding they hope to address the menace.

The officers also told those operating on the streets with cameras for a living to form a team and know each other as part of efforts to address the menace.

“Let anyone who is affected report the issue for us to know and take action. We are here for you,” said Seda.

He said they are sustaining the operations to address the menace in all parts of the city.