A section of Nairobi residents have decried increased cases of theft in Nairobi Central Business District.
Kenyans have recently shared their experiences after being mugged, drugged and 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, 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 a video explaining.
They have accused the security agencies for failing to act when the cases are reported.
“Don’t accept someone to take your properties. When they want to steal from you, scream or shout for help. Let us look after each other as Kenyans.”
They have asked Kenyans in the CBD to be alert because a section of people are targeting the residents with knives, demanding money or property.
Among the areas in the CBD that they have raised a prevalent, are streets with no lights and with few people.
“Nairobi town is unsafe, be careful when going there past 6 pm. I had gone to town to get my hair done. I passed by Kimathi Street to buy food, and some young people were standing there. There were no people and no lights at that corner. I decided to cross and find a place with lights; suddenly, I realised people were following me. I’m not going to town anymore, that is my last time,” another social media user added.
Another user warned, “Do not walk in the CBD past 7 pm, especially on weekends, there is a gang in the CBD that has started taking shape, robbing civilians. Many people have reported that in the past two weeks, there have been robberies happening to residents.”
Reacting to the issue, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria said the county is working to protect its residents.
He said that the county has received reports and videos circulating on social media where people claim that gangs of youths are terrorising city residents, particularly over the weekends.
He said the youths disguise themselves as Gen Z content creators in the CBD, but by around 5 pm, they begin stealing from unsuspecting people.
“They operate in large groups of 20–30 criminals, surrounding victims and robbing them of all their belongings. In addition, some claim that certain street families engage in illegal activities, including dumping waste at night and robbing people before fleeing to the backstreets,” he said in a statement on social media.
“Some even use human waste to extort money or valuables from residents. Improper waste disposal and unsanitary practices not only harm the environment but also create unsafe spaces that criminals exploit.”
Mosiria said that the enforcement team, working closely with the National Police Service, continues operations to remove the individuals from the streets and ensure public spaces remain safe and hygienic.
“Security and environmental operations are underway, and no resident should live in fear. The safety, security, and cleanliness of our city and its residents remain paramount,” he said.
“We urge members of the public to report any such incidents, illegal dumping, or suspicious groups to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken. Protecting our city requires both vigilance and care for our environment it is a responsibility we all share.”
