Moha, a renowned former pickpocket in the heart of Nairobi’s CBD, has chosen to open up about his criminal journey and the pivotal moment that led him to abandon a life of crime, despite its lucrative rewards.
In an interview with an online media outlet, Moha shared that his roots were firmly planted in Korogocho, where he was born and raised in modest circumstances. Born in 1990, his father’s demise in 2005 when he was just 15 years old marked a significant turning point in his life.
Despite his challenging beginnings, Moha exhibited academic promise, achieving remarkable scores of 395 marks in his KCPE and a mean grade of C+ in his KCSE. However, financial constraints post-high school prevented him from pursuing higher education, compelling him to navigate the streets in search of livelihood.
In Nairobi’s bustling streets, Moha played a dual role, operating as both a Matatu Conductor and a pickpocket, displaying a remarkable knack for swiftly snatching people’s belongings, particularly mobile phones, in the CBD.
A breadwinner for his family of six, Moha’s illicit activities were eventually discovered by his mother, leading to warnings and her refusal to accept anything he brought home.
Moha recounted his initial theft—an impressive Samsung S6, a novelty at the time—in which he sold the device for a substantial sum of Ksh. 40,000. This achievement served as a catalyst, driving him and his associates, aided by certain corrupt police officers, to form a gang focused on phone theft and pickpocketing.
The enterprise thrived, with daily profits amounting to several thousands. Moha highlighted a noteworthy incident when he successfully snatched a purse containing Ksh. 210,000 from a woman who was associated with Mpesa services. This windfall marked a turning point, enabling him to allocate Ksh. 130,000 to his own needs and offering Ksh. 80,000 to his friend. The proceeds financed his wedding, thus initiating his journey into family life.
However, Moha’s criminal pursuits came to an abrupt halt following a brutal attack by an enraged mob within Nairobi’s CBD. The severe beating rendered him hospitalized and confined to the Intensive Care Unit for a span of seven days. This incident served as a wake-up call, compelling him to reevaluate his choices and relinquish a life tainted by criminal activities.
In conclusion, Moha’s story encompasses a journey from humble beginnings to a life of crime and eventual redemption. The confrontation with his own mortality brought about a transformation, leading him to sever ties with a world he once dominated.
