This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
On short city routes, the rule of buckling up is often ignored, creating an opportunity for thieves.
According to Rachael Anyango, a group of pickpockets along Jogoo road has been using this to steal mobile phones from passengers.
They mostly target Double M buses, which are considered 'luxury buses' in Nairobi, as most passengers boarding them are perceived to be 'well-off' and mature.
Anyango shared her experience: 'I was on a Double M bus to the city centre last week when five men boarded at Posta stage along Jogoo road. Minutes later, one of them warned everyone to buckle up, claiming he had spotted traffic cops ahead.'
However, this was a ruse, and the accomplices used the ensuing panic to steal three phones before alighting in a flash around the city stadium.
A Double M route operator denied any collusion with the pickpockets, stating that it's hard to distinguish between genuine passengers and thieves.
He also claimed that those arrested often bribe police officers and return to hunt hours later.
Another victim revealed that the pickpockets operate between Donholm-City stadium-Nacico, Shell Nyayo stadium-City Cabanas, and sometimes Railways-Kenyatta hospital stage, often carrying laptop bags.
Passengers are advised to buckle up and stay vigilant when boarding Double M buses and others along Jogoo road.
