Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has urged Kenyans to be cautious while walking around roadside pool tables and 'kamari' dens, claiming that the areas house criminals who are preying on innocent Kenyans.
The Commissioner said this during a radio interview on Radio Generation on Wednesday December 17, 2025, where he revealed security hotspot areas in urban areas.
The Regional Commissioner revealed that criminals pose as pool players while checking out potential targets to rob.
"If you see a place where there is a pool table outside, be very worried because those guys are playing the pool table and checking out potential targets to mug," the Commissioner said.
Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo also revealed that areas where people are playing cards, famously known as 'kamari', or other makeshift games are dangerous hotspots.
"And even those playing cards, kamari and other makeshift games under trees, most of those are actually criminals," the Commissioner revealed.
Pool is a popular recreational and competitive sport that is widespread in urban areas. The sport is popular among the youth who spend hours at pool tables across the country.
Kamari, on the other hand, is a local gambling game that is popular in local neighbourhoods and city backstreets. It usually involves shuffling three cards or bottle tops on a makeshift table. Players bet money to find a specific card.
Police have shifted their attention to urban locations where the two sports are played, identifying them as high-risk areas.
The Regional Commissioner revealed that the police are also focusing on illicit brew dens which the Commissioner says are hosting criminals.
During the interview, Gilbert Kitiyo praised the country's intelligence services, saying that they have effectively neutralised terrorist attacks in the country.
The Commissioner reassured kenyans that the police are dealing with dangerous criminal gangs terrorising residents across the city.
