Nairobi authorities have escalated efforts to combat criminal gangs operating in the Central Business District (CBD), following a surge in muggings, harassment, and robberies. On a recent night patrol, Nairobi Environment CEC Geoffrey Mosiria, accompanied by law enforcement officers, apprehended an individual believed to be part of a group masquerading as street families. The suspect was found in possession of police handcuffs, raising concerns about imposters posing as officers to extort money. The individual is currently in custody, awaiting arraignment.
In response to the increasing criminal activities, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed security agencies to intensify operations targeting violent gangs, many of which are linked to groups posing as street children. As of the latest reports, 214 suspects have been arrested and will be presented in court.
Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda has also issued a warning to TikTok content creators, cautioning against spreading misleading videos of crime incidents for personal gain. Such content undermines public trust and hampers police efforts to maintain order.
Residents have reported increasing incidents of being followed, robbed, or threatened in broad daylight. Traders on Kimathi Street have expressed concerns about gangs using hospital waste, such as syringes, to intimidate victims. On Moi Avenue, pedestrians have described feeling uneasy, while a night watchman recounted being mugged by knife-wielding youths. The most common targets of these gangs are phones, laptops, and cash. Many of these groups operate in numbers and often escape on motorcycles, despite the presence of CCTV cameras.
Authorities have assured Nairobi residents that the crackdown will continue until order is restored in the CBD. Police enforcement will remain intense to dismantle these criminal networks and ensure the safety of the public.
