Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered an immediate and sustained crackdown on gangs behind violent muggings in Nairobi’s central business district. Speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Bungoma on Thursday, September 4, Murkomen said security agencies must stamp out attacks that have left pedestrians feeling unsafe in the city center.
He revealed that many gangs disguise themselves as street children, some armed with knives and crude weapons. “I want to confirm to you that the operation is ongoing and it will continue; it is a continuous issue. Operation is going on on those issues and we are going to do something to ensure that is addressed. Some of them, of course, are underage, but that is not an excuse. We’ll deal with it,” Murkomen declared.
What warning did Murkomen give police commanders?
The CS warned police commanders that they will be held personally responsible if crime persists in their areas. He emphasized that petty crimes like muggings are part of the daily responsibility of officers on the ground and should not wait for national directives.
“Thank God we are discussing muggings and these kinds of challenges; there were times we were discussing worse challenges of robbery with violence and so forth. Part of the conversation we are having and we’ll have also here is that nothing should wait for a national directive policy from CS or any other leader; that is a daily responsibility of the OCS in the police stations unless it is a very unique challenge that has come out of a particular issue, but things like theft and muggings that is a daily responsibilities of police officers within that area,” he stated.
How will operations be carried out?
Murkomen pledged sustained operations to restore public confidence, hinting at redeployments in crime-prone areas. “If there is any weakness in terms of operational command, we’ll redeploy some of the officers who have the capacity to help and lead in resolving that issue,” he added.
He maintained that the crackdown will not be temporary, promising to keep up the pressure until Nairobians feel safe again.
Why is Nairobi’s CBD unsafe?
Murkomen’s orders come after weeks of growing concern, with residents sharing alarming experiences of muggings in broad daylight. Victims have reported being trailed, surrounded, and robbed on busy streets such as Moi Avenue and Kimathi Street. Some gangs have threatened to smear human waste on victims who resist.
Traders say the insecurity is hurting business by keeping customers away, while Nairobians continue to demand firm action. The government now hopes the intensified operations will restore safety in the CBD and rebuild public trust.
By Yockshard Enyendi