This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On a fateful night two years ago, a family in Kiambu County was robbed by four armed men. However, what followed was a surreal experience that left the family shaken but also amused.
The robbers, who seemed to be in no hurry, calmly informed the family that they would not harm them if they cooperated. They then asked for all the money they had, which came to about Sh80,000, and also requested their ATM cards and PIN numbers.
As the family watched in horror, the robbers proceeded to withdraw the money from the ATM while two of them stayed behind and helped themselves to the food on the table. They ate two plates of ugali, fried liver, and spinach, and even had a second helping.
One of the robbers, in a bizarre request, asked the family if they had a movie they could watch. The family's patriarch, who was seated in an armchair, was so shocked that he remained immobile for a full minute.
After finishing their meal, the robbers thanked the family for their hospitality and walked out, disappearing into the night. The family's experience was a fortunate one, as many others have had harrowing experiences with robbers, resulting in death, injury, or rape.
It is a shame that homeowners are not assured of security and safety in their own homes, a place that is supposed to be their haven and refuge from the world's troubles.
