A section of youths who had gathered to listen to President William Ruto during his visit to Ruaraka and Mathare turned the event into an opportunity for crime, attacking motorists and passengers along Thika Road.
According to multiple eyewitnesses and videos shared online, groups of young men loitered around the venue during Ruto’s speech.
When the President ended the tour, they began targeting unsuspecting road users.
Further, motorists stuck in traffic while heading home have suffered the biggest blow, with many of them falling victim to the rowdy youth.
Also Read: Recce Squad Arrests 12 Suspects After Attempting to Break Into State House Nairobi
Motorists Along Thika Road Attacked
Many of those involved in the attacks had earlier been seen cheering and chanting slogans during the president’s visit.
However, as soon as the event ended, the same crowd dispersed into small groups and strategically positioned themselves along the road, targeting vehicles and pedestrians.
According to reports, motorists and passengers have been targeted past Utalii College, with the youths snatching phones and valuables from passengers before running into the nearby buildings.
Moreover, the worst-hit areas included sections near the NYS headquarters and routes leading into Ruaraka.
Also, witnesses claim that law enforcement officers stationed nearby did not stop the attacks.
However, police eventually moved in, dispersing some of the thieves.
Also Read: Tough Security Precautions Ruto is Taking During Mandera Tour After Al Shabaab Threat
Ruto Extra Protection in the Area
There was a noticeable increase in security as Ruto toured the Mathare area to launch and assess various projects. He was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders, making several stopovers to engage with residents in the densely populated area.
Elite officers from special units, including the Counter Assault Team (CAT), were closely positioned around the president’s vehicle and that of his deputy.
Unlike usual events where these officers remain on standby inside their vehicles, the officers were actively deployed to boost security in the area.
The highly trained elite unit, known for handling high-risk situations, worked in coordination with personnel from the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) and the General Service Unit (GSU) to ensure maximum security.
On the other hand, 12 of the about 300 people were arrested on Monday, March 10, and later released, for harassing and stealing from motorists and pedestrians around State House Gate A.
The group was confronted and chased away by a team of elite police as they tried to breach security to meet the president for lunch.
The group consisted mostly of youth from slums near Eastleigh and Industrial Area, Nairobi.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates
