Galleria Mall has denied allegations that shoppers are being drugged and robbed while shopping at one of the supermarkets on the premises.
The statement follows growing concerns from Kenyans on social media, with many raising questions about security standards in major malls across the country, highlighting incidents of alleged drugging and robbery.
“So many people are talking about being drugged in Galleria, it’s scary,” one concerned Kenyan wrote on X.
Responding to the concerns, Galleria dismissed the allegations, saying the mall has not experienced such criminal activities and assured its customers that the facility is safe.
“Galleria Shopping Mall has no incidents of the crime you have alluded to. We have substantial security that includes armed guards, with daily security reports that have no record of such events. Our space is safe and controlled,” the management of Galleria said in response to the tweet.
One affected customer took to social media to recount how she was allegedly drugged while shopping for pet food at one of the supermarkets in the mall.
The customer recounted how a man and a woman engaged her while she was shopping, pretending to show interest in a pet snack she was buying.
The man reportedly took the package, inquired about it, and then returned it to her.
Shortly after, she began feeling dizzy and couldn't feel her legs. She placed the snack back on the shelf. She later realised something was missing from her purse. The lady had positioned herself behind her, raising suspicions about a planned distraction.
Fortunately, her son returned just in time to prevent further harm. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of shoppers in malls.
Responding to the unfortunate incident, Galleria said they have launched investigations to ascertain the allegations. The mall has also encouraged customers to report such incidents to the management.
“The alarming incidents originally outlined by the customer are disturbing and extremely unfortunate. No one should ever go through that. The safety of our shoppers remains our top priority. Any breach is investigated thoroughly, with absolute consequences,” the facility assured.
Although many malls in Kenya have enhanced security, including CCTV surveillance, armed guards, and bag checks, shoppers have been advised to remain vigilant and be on the lookout.
