Murkomen: Crackdown on Nairobi muggings underway

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that a major crackdown on muggings in Nairobi, with security agencies instructed to intensify operations against criminal gangs targeting unsuspecting citizens.

Murkomen said the government has taken note of a surge in violent robberies, many of which are linked to groups posing as street children.

Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Bungoma, the CS revealed that the so-called street children are in fact organised groups, some armed with knives, who have been staging coordinated attacks.

“I want to confirm to you that operations are ongoing and they will continue," Murkomen stated.

He, however, stated that policing issues such as theft and muggings are a daily responsibility of the OCS and officers within their areas.

“They should not wait for directives from Nairobi,” he said.

Murkomen had earlier addressed OCSs who had converged at the National Police Service Academy in Ngong, where he issued firm instructions to the officers to deal decisively with the perpetrators.

The CS further warned that underage status would not be used as an excuse for crime, insisting that perpetrators will face the law regardless of age.

He added that the ministry is ready to redeploy officers where necessary to strengthen operational command.

“We have noticed that part of the problem is being caused by individuals who pose as street children, yet they are of significant adult age. They pretend to be homeless, but their main agenda is to rob and attack people. This must stop,” he said.

Murkomen assured the public that the government is committed to restoring security and will deal firmly with any weaknesses in policing.

He added that similar discussions are being held in different counties to ensure safety is prioritised at the grassroots level.

His statement comes amid the growing concerns over rising cases of theft in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD), with residents and social media users sharing disturbing accounts of being mugged, drugged and robbed.

Videos shared online showed victims warning Kenyans to stay vigilant, particularly in the evenings.

Many say gangs are targeting phones, handbags and other valuables, often using intimidation and violence.

“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,” one user said in a viral clip.