Gangs have attacked Nairobi residents during the past four days, robbing people without fear. Police officers say politicians bring these hungry groups along when President Ruto visits different parts of the city. One police leader explained these criminals just want money and take chances to steal from regular citizens nearby. The police remain unsure if something else drives these attacks.
Law enforcement feels powerless against these mobs because the situation has become both massive and political. The thieves travel around the city using motorcycles or simply walking. Yesterday, they struck outside Sarit Centre in Westlands, hurting many people and stealing their stuff. This forced police bosses to add more officers along roads where President Ruto would travel.
President Ruto started visiting Nairobi projects on March 10. Problems began in Eastleigh when thugs pretending to welcome him tried grabbing mirrors off his official car. These same criminals harassed drivers and people walking by. The trouble spread through Mathare, Babadogo, Kawangware, Kangemi, and Westlands. Yesterday, the criminals hit Lang'ata and Kibera hard. Today, they might cause trouble in Eastlands and Kasarani.
These gangs jump innocent drivers and walkers caught in the chaos. Even politicians traveling with the president became victims - several lost their phones to fast-handed thieves. One police officer reported his gun stolen during an attack in Mathare. Officials promised they would find whoever took it. The worst event happened Monday right outside the State House itself.
Drama erupted when elite police teams fought against a crowd trying to break into "meet the President for lunch." About 500 young people from slums near Eastleigh and the Industrial Area showed up uninvited. This rowdy bunch stole from cars and bullied pedestrians outside State House Gate A before police arrived to break things up. Officers redirected traffic away as special Recce units confronted the mob.
The crowd had followed President Ruto's cars from Eastleigh claiming they expected lunch. They hoped President Ruto, Governor Sakaja, or parliament members would feed them. These same politicians had asked them to attend earlier events but then sped away with the presidential motorcade. The abandoned supporters chased after them, ending up at State House gates. Security teams called for backup as the crowd demanded entry into the compound.
Law enforcement feels powerless against these mobs because the situation has become both massive and political. The thieves travel around the city using motorcycles or simply walking. Yesterday, they struck outside Sarit Centre in Westlands, hurting many people and stealing their stuff. This forced police bosses to add more officers along roads where President Ruto would travel.
President Ruto started visiting Nairobi projects on March 10. Problems began in Eastleigh when thugs pretending to welcome him tried grabbing mirrors off his official car. These same criminals harassed drivers and people walking by. The trouble spread through Mathare, Babadogo, Kawangware, Kangemi, and Westlands. Yesterday, the criminals hit Lang'ata and Kibera hard. Today, they might cause trouble in Eastlands and Kasarani.
These gangs jump innocent drivers and walkers caught in the chaos. Even politicians traveling with the president became victims - several lost their phones to fast-handed thieves. One police officer reported his gun stolen during an attack in Mathare. Officials promised they would find whoever took it. The worst event happened Monday right outside the State House itself.
Drama erupted when elite police teams fought against a crowd trying to break into "meet the President for lunch." About 500 young people from slums near Eastleigh and the Industrial Area showed up uninvited. This rowdy bunch stole from cars and bullied pedestrians outside State House Gate A before police arrived to break things up. Officers redirected traffic away as special Recce units confronted the mob.
The crowd had followed President Ruto's cars from Eastleigh claiming they expected lunch. They hoped President Ruto, Governor Sakaja, or parliament members would feed them. These same politicians had asked them to attend earlier events but then sped away with the presidential motorcade. The abandoned supporters chased after them, ending up at State House gates. Security teams called for backup as the crowd demanded entry into the compound.
