Four arrested after viral video of dramatic robbery in Nairobi's Kilimani

Four suspects have been arrested in connection to a robbery incident that was captured on CCTV as they as attacked and robbed a pedestrian along Lenana Road, Nairobi.

The footage went viral on social media with calls to arrest the muggers.

It showed two men confront a pedestrian and point a pistol and knife at him before grabbing a bag that contained a laptop and valuables from his pockets.

The four who include the two men who were armed with a pistol and knife were arrested at their hideout in Pangani.

Police said the two were arrested alongside a woman, believed to be a wife of one the suspects and another occupant of the house.

They had escaped from Kawangware and Gatina where police traced them before being caught in Pangani on Monday morning.

The officers recovered the laptop that was stolen in the robbery, a knife and some of the clothes the men were wearing the day they committed the robbery.

Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo said they are looking for more suspects in connection with the incident. He said the men and woman are expected in court to face various charges.

“The men who were captured on CCTV attacking a pedestrian along Lenana Road while armed with a pistol and knife were arrested. We will not relent until all accomplices are caught and we thank all those who helped to get them,” said Ndolo.

Police are now encouraging tenants and landlords to install CCTV cameras on their premises as part of efforts to address crime.

Incidents of robberies have been on the decline in the past five months in the city. The period was partially on a lockdown in parts of the city.

Crime rates

Meanwhile, more than 100 cases of defilement have been recorded in Nairobi region since January this year.

Police authorities said the 129 cases reported fluctuated in numbers. In January, some 30 cases of defilement were reported as compared to 29 in February, 24 in March, 24 in April and 22 in May.

Ndolo said the trend shows a decrease in cases albeit in small margins. He said there were fears the cases would be on the increase given children are at home over the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We can see a steady decrease in the cases even though it is not impressing. We ask parents to be keen on their children,” he said.

Data collected in the region show there were 11 cases of rape in the city in January as compared to seven that were recorded in February, five in March, five in April and seven in May.

Murder incidents stood at five in January as compared to 18 of February, 10 of March, 15 in April and 16 in May while assault cases stood at 137 in January, 151 in February, 28 in March, 15 in April and 16 in May.

There were 54 cases of robbery with violence cases in January as compared to 21 in February, 25 in March, 20 in April and 20 in May. Most of the incidents are believed to have happened at night despite the dusk to dawn curfew that is currently in force to tame the spread of the coronavirus.

Ndolo said they have enhanced operations and will take stern action against crime. He encouraged those offended to always report to the authorities for help and action.

“When you fail to report an incident you encourage the crime to continue being committed. We urge for continued reporting of these incidents for action,” said Ndolo.