This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
December 24, 2019
Commuters in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) are increasingly falling prey to street urchins, who are targeting them for valuables such as laptops, mobile phones, and cash.
According to eyewitnesses, the thieves often take advantage of traffic jams to snatch valuables from unsuspecting commuters, leaving them feeling helpless and frustrated.
One such victim, identified as Livingston, had his laptop snatched by a street urchin while boarding a matatu on Accra Road. When asked why he didn't try to chase the thief, Livingston replied, 'Even if I go searching for him in the entire CBD, where will I get him?' He added, 'I could lose the fare I have already paid for no reason.'
Livingston's case is not an isolated one. Several other commuters have reported similar incidents, with some even losing expensive mobile phones in similar circumstances.
Streets and bus stops notorious for criminal activities include Haille Sellassie Avenue, Muthurwa market, and Bus Stop, as well as Tom Mboya Street, River Road, Luthuli Avenue, Moi Avenue, Globe Roundabout, Machakos country bus station, Afya Centre, and Kimathi Street.
Despite the rising number of theft cases, security agencies in the city centre seem to be lacking in concern. Pastor Josphat Omondi, who has been a victim twice within the CBD, reported the matter at Kamukunji Police post but was told to 'go and look for the culprit.'
Central Police Deputy OCS Joab Omolo acknowledged receiving complaints from victims over muggings, theft, pickpocketing, and harassment by street children. He urged citizens to support the police, saying, 'If you cannot trace the suspect or provide us with the necessary details, how do you expect us to do it?' Omolo added that it is the responsibility of commuters and pedestrians to ensure their valuables are safe, saying, 'You must always remember that security starts with you.'
