The report singled out five Nairobi neighbourhoods that had earned reputations for gang activity, street robberies and fear among residents and visitors.
The article said the areas had developed bad names because of insecurity, with gangs and thugs often described as the people effectively in control in some parts of the city rather than police officers.
Kayole ¶
Kayole was described as one of Nairobi’s most feared neighbourhoods because of theft and killings reported there. The report said people who lived in the area, or passed through it, often did so cautiously because of the risk of attack.
It also alleged that gangs demanded protection fees from residents, even as the question remained who was protecting whom.
Dandora Phase 2 ¶
Dandora, which is widely known for its large dumpsite, was also listed among the city’s most feared places. The report said unfamiliar faces in the area could attract attention from thugs and gang members.
According to the article, such groups would ask people to hand over valuables, and a negative reaction could provoke a violent response. It further claimed that the government had been fighting the problem to the point that thugs found in the area were killed.
Huruma ¶
Huruma was presented as another area where attackers were said to leave victims injured rather than simply stealing and walking away. The report said the thugs there were known to use weapons such as daggers and other objects to harm people.
Kawangware ¶
In Kawangware, the article pointed to a place known as Congo, saying two gang groups operated there on separate sides and did not clash. It added that police in the area feared the location and often stayed away from incidents there.
Kariobangi North ¶
The report said criminals in Kariobangi North had a knack for spotting people carrying valuable items. Once they identified a target, they would allegedly snatch the property and flee.
Readers were advised to leave valuables at home, or keep them somewhere safer, before going into such areas.
