This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
On a recent errand to River Road, I witnessed a brazen mugging that left me shaken. The incident occurred on June 30, 2019, and it's a day that still haunts me.
I had stopped to browse through the shops when I noticed a commotion on the other side of the street. A group of around six young men had surrounded a man, and within seconds, they had relieved him of his laptop bag, jacket, and shoes.
The whole ordeal took less than a minute, and the gang quickly disappeared, leaving the poor man seated on the dirty pavement, looking dazed and traumatized.
As I stood rooted on the spot, my mouth hanging open in shock, I couldn't help but think about how helpless a spectator can be in such a situation. It was a sobering experience that made me realize that anyone can be a victim of mugging, regardless of their appearance or behavior.
Before that day, I had always assumed that muggers would steer clear of people who looked like they belonged in the backstreets of Nairobi. But now, I understand that anyone can be a target, and it's not just about how you dress or behave.
As I looked at the young man who had been mugged, I couldn't help but think about how easily it could have been me. It was a chilling reminder that muggers can strike at any moment, and it's not just about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.