This archive report was first published on 20 June 2021.
Published on June 20, 2021, residents of Nairobi have been cautioned against frequenting certain areas in the Central Business District (CBD) after a surge in muggings.
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 reports, some of these muggings involve the use of force to obtain valuables, with armed criminals often operating in groups of 4-6 individuals.
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 issue becomes apparent when they are arrested and parents are summoned to the station for assistance."
Residents are urged to exercise caution when walking in these areas, especially after 7:30 pm.
