In a display of impunity, a section of Nairobi City residents has for the past five days been attacked and robbed by goons in broad daylight during President William Ruto’s tour.
On Friday, March 14, goons along Makongeni and Jogoo Road took advantage of President Ruto’s tour to rob unsuspecting Kenyans, specifically targeting women.
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Videos have since surfaced showing how the goons forcefully snatched handbags and fled on boda bodas.
In fear of being targeted, some business owners resorted to closing their shops in parts where the president’s caravan traversed.
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“Most of us are jua kali traders, and we have to open our businesses daily. However, with these visits that are sparking more fear than good, we are forced to close. Like today, most of us will go home with no cash,” a trader in Umoja told NTV.
Goons Rob People, Cause Chaos Along Jogoo Road
In videos seen by The Kenya Times, two men are seen snatching women’s handbags before escaping on standby boda bodas.
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At some point, one man pushes a woman to the ground before running away her handbag.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has since condemned the attacks, noting that criminals exploited the moment to unleash terror on innocent Kenyans, with women being the prime targets.
“As President Ruto toured Makongeni along Jogoo Road, criminals exploited the moment to unleash terror on innocent Kenyans—women being the prime targets,” the commission said.
“These goons, lurking in plain sight, snatched handbags, robbed unsuspecting victims, and sped off on boda bodas, leaving fear and trauma in their wake.”
Also Read: DCI Arrests Youth Who Robbed Thika Road Motorists After Ruto Rally
DCI and NPS Called Out
At the same time, NGEC questioned the whereabouts of security forces and how criminals could operate so brazenly in broad daylight with zero accountability.
They called on the NPS and DCI to deploy patrols in high-risk areas and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.
“We cannot normalise lawlessness! Every Kenyan—regardless of gender—deserves safety in public spaces,” NGEC added.
“Where were the security forces? How do criminals operate so brazenly under broad daylight?”
Motorists, Passengers Robbed During President Ruto’s Tour
Since March 10, President William Ruto has been touring parts of Nairobi to inspect development projects.
Gangs have, however, taken advantage of the disruptions to attack and rob unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians caught up in the chaos.
It all started in Eastleigh, where goons who purported to accompany and welcome Ruto attempted to snatch side mirrors from his official car.
The same group harassed and robbed unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.
On Tuesday, March 11, chaos erupted near the National Youth Service (NYS) headquarters as a mob looted businesses, ransacked vehicles, and mugged commuters.
Videos showed them storming public transport vehicles and forcing shops to shut down. Several people were injured as they fled the attacks.
According to reports, motorists and passengers were targeted past Utalii College, with the youth snatching phones and valuables from passengers before running into the nearby buildings.
The gangs were reported to have operated along Thika Road, Juja Road, and Outering Road—routes where President Ruto’s convoy had passed.
Also Read: Driver in Ruto’s Motorcade Who Hit and Killed Pedestrian Arrested
DCI Arrests Youth Who Robbed Thika Road Motorists
DCI on Friday March 11 arrested a group of youth suspected to have been involved in the widespread looting and theft along Thika Road.
One suspect who was armed with a knife when he attacked and robbed an unsuspecting individual of an Oppo A77S mobile phone valued at Ksh28,000, was arrested.
The directorate further said that Seven other suspects believed to have been among a group of 10 who robbed members of the public of their phones and other valuables in Mathare Area 4 were also arrested.
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