The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Over the past four days, some city residents have been attacked and robbed by thugs acting with impunity.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Police suspect that these goons are being mobilized by politicians to accompany President Ruto’s ongoing tour of Nairobi.
“These are desperate individuals brought in to attend the events. They take advantage of the situation to rob unsuspecting Kenyans,” explained a senior police officer familiar with the situation.
The officer added that investigations are underway to determine if there are any other underlying reasons for the attacks.
Police claim their efforts are limited due to the overwhelming nature of the situation, which is also heavily politicized. These groups, often moving on motorcycles or on foot, are difficult to control.
The most recent incident occurred outside Sarit Centre in Westlands, where several people were attacked and robbed. This has led to the deployment of additional security officers to patrol the routes used by the President.
Since March 10, President William Ruto has been touring various parts of Nairobi to inspect development projects.
The trouble began in Eastleigh, where thugs who claimed to be there to welcome the President attempted to steal side mirrors from his official vehicle. The goons then harassed and robbed both motorists and pedestrians.
The disturbances spread from Eastleigh to Mathare, Babadogo, Kawangware, Kangemi, and eventually Westlands. On Thursday, the chaos moved to Lang’ata and Kibera.
On Friday, the President will tour Eastlands and Kasarani, with similar disturbances expected.
The gangs have been targeting unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians caught up in the confusion.
Even politicians in the entourage have not been spared. Some have reported having their mobile phones stolen by the goons.
A police officer also reported losing a firearm during an attack in Mathare.
Authorities confirmed they are actively pursuing the criminals responsible for these incidents. Monday’s events outside State House were particularly bold.
There was a standoff outside State House in Nairobi when an elite police unit confronted a group attempting to breach security to “meet the President for lunch.”
The group, consisting mainly of youth from slums near Eastleigh and Industrial Area, numbered around 500. They harassed and robbed motorists and pedestrians outside Gate A of State House for several minutes before the police intervened.
Other officers were tasked with redirecting traffic as the mob was confronted by, among others, Recce officers on March 10.
The group had followed the presidential motorcade from Eastleigh to State House, hoping for lunch from the President or from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and members of Parliament, who were also part of the entourage.
The governor and MPs had organized the group to attend the events, but once the event was over, the politicians quickly left in pursuit of the President’s motorcade, prompting the mob to follow them to State House.
Security forces had to call for reinforcements to manage the situation as the group insisted on entering State House. Witnesses reported that the special police unit arrived shortly after, heavily armed, and pushed the crowd away from the gate.
