Commuters mugged during the day in CBD

Insecurity on the streets of Nairobi is becoming unbearable, thanks to the sprouting number of street urchins.

Cases of commuters, pedestrians and motorists being mugged are becoming the order of the day in the capital city.

Last week, at around 4pm on Accra Road, a commuter boarding an Obamana Sacco matatu heading to Ruai became helpless when his laptop was snatched by a street urchin. 

The thief took advantage of the traffic to snatch the laptop from the commuter sitting next to a window with the laptop on his lap.

Asked why he could not walk out and follow the thief, the commuter answered that it would be a waste of time since he would not catch him.

“Even if I go searching for him in the entire CBD, where will I get him?” said the victim identified only as Livingston.

He added, “I could lose the fare I have already paid for no reason.”

Livingston’s case is not an isolated one.

A few days after the incident, also in the presence of this reporter, a commuter lost an expensive mobile phone in a similar manner.

He also could not contemplate reporting the matter to the nearby police station as according to him, it would be “a waste of time”.

From the conversations that went on inside the matatu, it is apparent that theft cases by street children are rampant in the CBD.

As identified by Standard Digital, streets and bus stops that are notorious for criminal activities are those that experience traffic jams, including Haille Sellassie Avenue, Muthurwa market and Bus Stop.

Others are Tom Mboya Street, River Road, Luthuli Avenue, Moi Avenue, Globe Roundabout, Machakos country bus station, Afya Centre and Kimathi Street.

Of interest is the seeming lack of concern from the security agencies within the city centre.

Pastor Josphat Omondi, who has been a victim twice within the CBD, said he once reported the matter at Kamukunji Police post.

He was rounded off by thugs and his valuables stolen on Haille Selassie Avenue.

He said the officers told him to “go and look for the culprit”. 

“I was dumbfounded since I thought they were supposed to help me."

Since that time, he doesn’t find it relevant to report theft matters in the city because he may not find help.

Reached for comment, Central Police Deputy OCS Joab Omolo confirmed receiving complaints from victims over muggings, theft, pickpocketing and harassment by street children.

He urged citizens to support the police.

“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.

“You must always remember that security starts with you."