This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
Footbridges in Nairobi Turned into Mugging Zones ¶
Residents of Nairobi have raised concerns over the safety of footbridges in the city, with many turning into mugging zones at night.
According to eyewitnesses, footbridges have become hideouts for criminal gangs that operate at night, targeting unsuspecting pedestrians.
One such eyewitness, Peter Ogeto, a 30-year-old resident of Mathare, said that he avoids using the footbridge in his area, opting to cross the road instead.
"It is a hideout for criminals. You go up the bridge and in very few minutes you will find yourself in the midst of a gang who will viciously attack you," Ogeto said.
He recalled an incident where a woman was attacked by a gang armed with knives just a few minutes past 8pm in one of the most shocking incidents he has ever witnessed.
"The woman wailed for a minute but no one helped her. It was like she was invisible until a group decided to reach out and find out whether she was okay," he said.
Another resident, Caleb Kariuki, who runs a shop near the Roysambu stage footbridge, said that incidents of gangs waylaying and attacking members of the public on the footbridge at night have become the norm.
"The idea of putting up footbridges is good for preventing road accidents but the thought of being confronted by muggers in the footbridge is very scary," he said.
According to Kariuki, every week a case or two is reported of members of the public being attacked by thugs on the footbridge.
"It is so risky to use the footbridge at night. As early as 7pm you can only use the footbridge at your own peril," said John Kimani, a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Other footbridges that have become infamous for mugging incidents include those in Weitethie, Kariokor, and Ruiru.
However, not all footbridges in Nairobi are considered safe. One such footbridge is the one located at Kahawa Wendani, which is right outside Kahawa Barracks along the Thika Superhighway.
"I have never heard of any complaints from those who regularly use this footbridge. It is very safe to use it," said Noel Achieng, a Kenyatta University student who lives in Kahawa area.
Published on October 14, 2019, at 8:00 AM.
