The National Police Service have attributed an alleged goon attack targeting several businesses along Nairobi's Kimathi Street on Sunday, August 24, to a business dispute.
In a statement on Monday, the NPS refuted claims that there was a revolt by goons who were targeting businesses in the CBD, instead describing the incident as isolated.
According to NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the narrative of a "worrying state of insecurity" within the city centre was not necessarily accurate, and the Sunday incident was an isolated one of "civil nature", not political.
"Following a careful analysis of the incident that took place on Friday, 22nd August 2025, at Nanak House, detectives have ascertained certain facts. These point to a deliberate attack on four businesses within the said building, which appears to be linked to an internal dispute of a civil nature, a matter that is already before the court," the NPS said in their statement.
The statement added: "An arrest has already been made, and further arrests and progress are expected. These facts were detailed by the Regional Police Commander responsible for Nairobi this afternoon."
During the Sunday incident, a group of unidentified individuals stormed Nanak House opposite Sarova Stanley Hotel and targeted several business outlets. The NPS has since confirmed that the attacks were not random acts of insecurity.
Instead, they were a deliberate and targeted move which stemmed from an internal business dispute. The matter, according to authorities, was the subject of an active civil case which was still in court.
Despite the incident, the NPS reiterated that the Nairobi CBD remained one of the most secure areas to conduct business, particularly because the city centre was a renowned commercial hub.
"The National Police Service wishes to assure the public that the Nairobi Central Business District remains one of the most secure areas in which to conduct business. Its status as a symbol of the capital city cannot be overemphasised," NPS's statement went on.
"Furthermore, the general state of security across the country remains commendably good, a result of the efforts executed on a daily basis alongside the invaluable support of the public."
Additionally, police called on the public to report any suspicious activity or other criminal activity.
Due in part to the recent wave of protests that shook the nation from June 17 to July 2025, the Sunday incident caused panic.
Perhaps the most severely impacted area was the central business district of Nairobi, where businesses were set on fire by unidentified individuals and vandalised. Since then, some of the suspects implicated in the chaos have been charged with terrorism.
