Nairobi and other parts of the country are experiencing an uptick in theft and robbery in broad daylight as gangs of bloodthirsty criminals strike mercilessly on the streets.
As the vicious gangs act unabated, law enforcers do nothing but look the other way when Kenyans are maimed and immobilized.
In light of this weekend's Kenya Premier League matches, the country's terrifying security situation leaves much to be desired.
In the past, unscrupulous people have taken advantage of celebrations and chaos that characterize football matches to cause mayhem and wreak havoc on unsuspecting fans.
Unless the government clamps down on criminals who have intentionally decided to pose a security threat in the country, local football matches will experience a low turnout as more and more people shun our stadiums and recline to the safety of their abodes.
Kenyan football enthusiasts have been hankering for the return of KPL action after a series of hitches marred the game.
A wide array of factors had connived to deny fans an opportunity to share in the beauty of the world's most popular sport.
The factors range from the novel Covid-19 pandemic that reared its ugly head two years ago to the prolonged standoff between the government and the world football governing body, Fifa.
With the two major hiccups already brought under control, it would be catastrophic to allow the rampant cases of criminal activities that have rocked the country to derail our football.
It's quite encouraging to note that women and children had begun to accompany men to the football stands to cheer their favorite teams, especially during the preceding season that was annulled by the Football Kenya Federation.
Indeed, it has taken the country a great deal of concerted effort between relevant authorities to fight off hooliganism and attract more people to the stadiums.
We need more people to attend local matches so that teams can have a stable revenue stream arising from gate collections.
With more people filling the stadiums, the game will attract more sponsors too.
The good news is that Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has put criminals on notice, saying his office will not relent in the fight against individuals terrorizing innocent wananchi.
Koome's assurance to the country coincides with a stern warning issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who announced a change in the leadership and command of the National Police Service in Nairobi in a frantic bid to arrest the dire situation.
Addressing the media, Kindiki said the government is deploying a multi-agency response to get rid of criminals who have taken over the streets of Nairobi to terrorize members of the public.
A survey conducted on crime statistics within Nairobi indicated that the gangs are most notorious at specific hotspots including the Drive-In flyover up to KCA along Thika road, KCA underpass, Total exit along Thika road, Globe Cinema roundabout, and Kipande road.
Other areas are ABC Place, Kangemi along Waiyaki way, and CBD (River Road, Archives, Kirinyaga, road, and Fig Tree.)
The news is alarming because some Kenyan Premier League matches have been hosted at facilities around the affected areas such as the Utalii Grounds that neighbor KCA.
The government must expedite the process of restoring sanity on Kenyan streets for the sake of fans who may be willing to attend football matches but fear being attacked by senseless criminals.
