The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a crackdown on criminal gangs terrorizing residents in Nairobi, amid growing concerns over worsening security in the Central Business District.
Speaking in a press briefing on Friday, September 5, 2025, Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda stated that so far, 214 suspects have been arrested in relation to the alarming rise of mugging and robbery cases.
“We have enhanced our operations by bringing more officers. Since the last time you saw, we’ve had a lot of crackdowns at both nighttime and daytime. To that, up to now, major arrests have been made, amounting to 214,” said the Police Commander.
Police Arrest 214 People in Nairobi in Relation to Gang Activities
The suspects arrested are now being processed for arraignment in court.
At the same time, the Nairobi Police boss dismissed claims of knife-wielding gangs in the CBD, stressing that no such groups exist and attributed the reports to TikTok content creators.
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The Nairobi police boss cautioned the content creators against misleading the public.
“The police are an open entity. Nobody will be barred from submitting any report. When you do it on TikTok, that’s seeking publicity, which is a nullity in the domain of law enforcement,” Seda stated.
He also addressed concerns from traders operating at night after reports of several people being attacked and mugged in the CBD, assuring them of their safety.
“And the operations that we are undertaking, we don’t spare anybody.
We don’t spare anybody. What we want is for prudent members of the public to conduct their businesses without any fear or any threat. That’s why we are here as a government,” he added.
Kenyans Report Cases of Mugging in Nairobi CBD
Reports of a surge in muggings and violent robberies, particularly during the night from 7:00 p.m., in areas such as Moi Avenue, Kimathi Street, Kenyatta Avenue, and the National Archives, emerged, causing alarm for residents and business owners.
Victims have described groups of young men using knives, broken bottles, syringes, and even human waste to intimidate and rob pedestrians.
Some gangs reportedly disguise themselves as content creators to blend in before attacking pedestrians.
Also Read: Intelligence Report Exposes Top Hideouts for Notorious Gangs in Nairobi Estates
Social media, particularly TikTok, has been flooded with videos and testimonies from victims warning about the insecurity, with hot spots identified as poorly lit streets with low foot traffic.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria also acknowledged the issue, stating that the county is working with the National Police Service to restore order and encouraging residents to report suspicious activities.
Additionally, Central Police Station Subcounty Commander Philemon Otieno noted intensified police deployment and called for formal complaints to aid investigations.
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