This archive report was first published on 20 June 2021.
Published on June 20, 2021, residents of Nairobi have been cautioned to steer clear of specific areas within the Central Business District (CBD) following reports of an increase in muggings targeting individuals who enjoy walking at night.
The areas of concern include Ambassadeuer, Archives, Kencom, Jubilee Insurance area near the Supreme Court, 680 Hotel, and the Bruce House area on Standard Street.
According to eyewitnesses, these muggings often occur after 7:30 pm, with some perpetrators using force to obtain valuables such as cash or mobile phones.
Police officers have attributed the rise in criminal activities to the frequent closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the country in 2020.
One officer noted, "Some of these thugs are carried by peer pressure, while others are genuine offenders. The problem becomes apparent when they are arrested and parents are summoned to the station for assistance."
"Some of these thugs are just carried by peer pressure, while others are real ones. You realise the problem when they are arrested and parents are called to the stations for help." - Police Officer
