Concerns over growing insecurity in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) have intensified, with a political lobby now demanding a visible, round-the-clock security presence following a spate of daylight muggings and violent robberies.
The Young Aspirants Movement (YAM) on Sunday pointed to recent incidents, including a brazen robbery on Moi Avenue and multiple attacks near the Globe Roundabout, as proof that policing gaps are putting the lives of ordinary Kenyans at risk.
“Security is a constitutional mandate, yet many Kenyans no longer feel protected in their daily activities. Taxes meant to guarantee safety should translate into visible improvements,” YAM chairman Peter Osteen Ngui told reporters in Nairobi.
Police Acknowledge Rising Street Crimes
Official statistics show street crimes in Nairobi have risen by 22 percent this quarter compared to the same period in 2023.
Nairobi County Police Commander George Sedah defended the ongoing operations, noting that 214 suspects had been arrested this month alone. These included 80 muggers accused of using disturbing tactics such as threatening to smear victims with human waste to extort valuables.
“Our crime-mapping strategy is working, though more needs to be done,” Sedah said.
Murkomen Orders Crackdown
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that a major crackdown on criminal gangs in Nairobi is underway. Speaking at a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Bungoma, Murkomen said gangs masquerading as street children are behind many attacks, some armed with knives and staging coordinated robberies.
“We have noticed that part of the problem is being caused by individuals who pose as street children, yet they are of significant adult age. They pretend to be homeless, but their main agenda is to rob and attack people. This must stop,” Murkomen said.
The CS stressed that tackling muggings is a daily responsibility for local police commanders and officers, not a matter that should await directives from Nairobi.
Earlier, Murkomen addressed OCSs at the National Police Service Academy in Ngong, warning that underage status would not shield offenders from prosecution. He vowed that perpetrators, regardless of age, would face the full force of the law.
He also said the ministry is prepared to redeploy officers to strengthen operational command where security gaps persist.
Public Outcry and Economic Strain
The rising crime wave has been amplified by Nairobi residents and social media users, many sharing accounts of being mugged, drugged, or robbed in broad daylight. Circulating videos show victims warning others to stay vigilant, especially in the evenings.
Gangs are said to be targeting phones, handbags, and personal items, often using intimidation and violence.
YAM also linked insecurity to broader economic pressures, citing high food prices and drug shortages in public hospitals. Official data shows inflation stood at 6.8 percent in May, with the price of a 2kg packet of maize flour reaching Sh220.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi defended government spending priorities, noting that the health budget rose to Sh138.1 billion in 2024/25 from Sh123 billion the year before. He added that Kenya plans to raise $1 billion through a debt-for-food security swap by March 2026.
Government Assures Safety
Murkomen insisted the government remains committed to restoring order in Nairobi’s CBD and across the country.
“Operations are ongoing and they will continue,” he said.
The CS added that discussions are also being held in counties outside Nairobi to ensure grassroots safety priorities are addressed.
