This archive report was first published on 30 August 2021.
On Monday, a disturbing CCTV footage emerged online showing a boda boda rider snatching a mobile phone from a traffic officer in Nairobi. The 44-second clip, which has been doing the rounds online, shows the officer standing next to a police bus while talking on his phone as the rider watches him from a distance.
The rider briefly stops to assess the situation before quickly snatching the phone from the officer's ear, leaving him confused. The officer is then seen giving chase on foot, but eventually gives up and seeks the help of another motorbike rider to pursue the suspect.
When the clip emerged online, there were claims that the incident occurred on Kangundo Road, Nairobi County. However, Embakasi OCPD Francis Ngugi dismissed these reports, stating that they are yet to receive any complaint from any officer who lost his phone.
Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai had announced the formation of an anti-mugging squad to deal with thugs using get-away motorbikes in the city, just hours before the footage emerged. The National Police Service has also acknowledged cases of thugs resorting to use motorbikes to mug members of the public and has a team on the ground to deal with the vice.
On July 6, a similar incident was captured on camera, where a pillion passenger on a motorbike was seen snatching a phone from a police officer manning traffic. The National Police Service, however, dismissed the viral video claiming it was manipulated.
