Murkomen Breaks Silence on Rising Mugging Cases in Nairobi CBD

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, has announced an ongoing security operation to tackle the rising cases of mugging in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

Speaking on Thursday, September 4, during the closing ceremony of the OCS Consultative Conference at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) in Ngong, CS Murkomen noted that theft and mugging are issues that should be addressed as part of routine police duties.

“It is the daily responsibility of the OCS to handle these issues, but where there are operational gaps, we will redeploy resources to address them,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen Launches Operation to Curb Rising Mugging Cases

CS Murkomen reassured Nairobi residents that, just as the government successfully contained the Panga Boys gang menace in Mombasa earlier this year, the mugging problem in Nairobi will also be stamped out.

He further noted that the perpetrators include both underage street children and adult criminals posing as homeless individuals.

This follows growing concerns in Nairobi, fueled by videos circulating online showing victims warning residents to remain vigilant, especially during the evenings.

Victims have reported that the gangs are targeting phones, handbags, and other valuables, often using intimidation and violence.

Also Read: Jukwaa la Usalama: Govt’s New Strategy to Wipe Out Robberies & Other Crimes

Nairobi County And NPS Launches Crackdown on Robberies

Additionally, the Nairobi County announced a joint operation with the National Police Service (NPS) targeting criminal gangs.

On Wednesday, September 3, Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria stated that youth gangs have developed new tactics to rob civilians, often disguising themselves as content creators.

“They pretend to be content creators during the day, but by around 5:00pm, they begin stealing from unsuspecting people,” Mosiria said. 

Also Read: Report Shows Areas Where Armed Robberies Have Increased in Kenya

Reports of Rise in Mugging

Over the past week, Kenyans have been sharing videos on TikTok about attacks by young criminals.

Victims say they have been followed, robbed, intimidated, and in some cases threatened with stabbings or even having human waste smeared on them.

These gangs have been active around the Hilton Roundabout and along Tom Mboya Street, with some staying near Galitos Restaurant, from where they launch attacks or follow their victims.

Kenyans have raised the alarm about criminal gangs, warning residents to stay alert when moving around Nairobi CBD, especially after dusk.

A Kenyan TikTok user, Maimuna Abdinasir, said:
“It’s not safe at all. Don’t display your phones. Also, walk with someone or use another route. Stay alert. These criminals are out to kill people, not just to steal. Please be safe out there,” Abdinasir said.

Sheyii Given also added his voice saying:
“We don’t know why nothing is being done yet all these cases have been reported. These gangs are using very unorthodox methods and are acting with alot of impunity. Don’t walk alone past 7pm in the corners of the CBD,” he said.

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