Anxiety has spread among Nairobians following a surge in violent robberies, attacks, and intimidation cases in the Central Business District (CBD). Over the past week, Kenyans have taken to TikTok to share harrowing experiences at the hands of juvenile gangs accused of trailing, robbing, and threatening to stab or smear human faeces on unsuspecting victims.
Where are the gangs operating in Nairobi CBD?
According to accounts from victims, the gangs mainly operate around the Hilton roundabout, along Tom Mboya Street, and near Galitos restaurant, which many claim is a hotspot for attacks. Victims describe the perpetrators as young boys who operate in groups, some armed with knives, while others use the threat of faeces to intimidate.
Popular TikTok personality Mjaka Mfine raised the alarm, warning Kenyans to stay cautious, especially after dusk. “They are back!” she said in a viral video. “The thieves who smear human faeces onto people are back. They are operating all across Nairobi City and they’re following you from around the Galitos restaurant.”
One woman narrated how she was followed from Moi Avenue to Kimathi Street after leaving a salon. “I didn’t even know that Kimathi Street nowadays has no lights. Looking back, I realised that I was being followed. I was so shaken. I quickly found a safe spot and called an Uber,” she said, adding that her driver confirmed the trend and even revealed that a night guard at Galitos had recently been stabbed while protecting a customer.
How are victims being targeted?
Other victims report that the gangs sometimes pose as content creators with small cameras and smiles before suddenly turning aggressive, pulling out knives or blunt objects. TikTok user Maimuna Abdinasir warned: “It’s not safe at all. Don’t display your phones. Also, walk with someone or use another route. Stay alert. These criminals are out to kill people, not just to steal.”
Similarly, Sheyii Given questioned the lack of response from authorities. “We don’t know why nothing is being done, yet all these cases have been reported. These gangs are using very unorthodox methods and are acting with a lot of impunity. Don’t walk alone past 7 pm in the corners of the CBD,” he cautioned.
What action is being taken by the authorities?
In response to the public outcry, Nairobi County on Wednesday, September 3, announced a joint crackdown with the National Police Service to curb the wave of robberies. The move was confirmed by Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria following disturbing video testimonies circulating online.
The crackdown comes at a time when residents are calling for urgent and decisive measures to restore safety in the city’s busiest commercial hub.
By Risper Akinyi