Nairobi criminal gangs now turn to street photographers

When Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja allowed the youth to do photography and videography on certain streets, his aim was to grow talent and promote self-employment.

But going by recent incidents on some streets, crooks may be taking advantage of the directive to rob city residents.

Several people have been robbed of mobile phones and other valuables by groups posing as photographers or videographers.

Following the incidents, police have been called upon to investigate whether criminals have invaded youth groups who carry out photography along different streets in Nairobi every week from Friday to Sunday.

Early this year, Governor Johnson Sakaja gave a green light to the youth to use certain streets to take photographs, record videos and music as a way of utilising their artistic talents. The governor said this was a way of creating self-employment through arts.

"The governor did a good thing to allow the youth to use the streets for their artistic work. However, he should have also considered enhancing security in the city, "said Kennedy Teyie, a city resident.

He added that the governor should have authorised the deployment of some city council askaris alongside police officers to maintain security during the three days of street photography and videography.

Khamisi Kimemia told the Nairobian that he was robbed of his mobile phone by a group of youth who posed as photographers. He said he couldn't run after them because of his disability.

The criminals are reported to be targeting foreigners whom they rob of cameras and other valuables. Areas that the youth frequent are Kenyatta Avenue, Muindi Mbingu Street, Wabera Street and Mama Ngina Street.

Central OCPD Doris Kemey said there were enough officers patrolling the streets during the three days.

She said that the public should not be worried, adding that whoever is robbed should report to Central Police Station.

"Enough security personnel are on standby to ensure the city is safe on any of those days the youth have been allowed to do photography in the CBD," said Kemey.