35 Arrested in Nairobi After Sonko Forms Anti-mugging Squad

Nairobi County Regional Commissioner Bernard Leparmarai on Monday announced that 35 people had been arrested in the city just a few hours after the formation of an anti-mugging squad.

Speaking while addressing the media, the Regional Commissioner, together with County Police bosses, acknowledged that the crime rate in the city had risen and promised to increase more officers to man the CBD.

Mr Leparmarai noted that the city had been invaded by youth aged 18-25 who sit at strategic places and wait for people leaving ATMs, forex bureau and M-PESA shops after which they are robbed.

[caption caption="Police bosses addressing the media on Monday"][/caption]

According to him, the gang always consist of 4-6 people. He, however, explained that a multi-agency team had been deployed to man the city.

"So far, we arrested 35 of the marauding muggers.

"A joint team involving county, regular and Administration Police (AP) officers are going to man the city," Leparmarai stated.

Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Monday announced that he had formed an anti-mugging unit to curb the situation.

"After receiving several cases of insecurity within some section of Nairobi CBD, my office today formed anti-mugging squad detectives who will work closely with Kenya Police to curb the situation.

"We have also received intelligence report that some politicians and business people are funding youths to terrorize people.

[caption caption="File image of Governor Mike Sonko"][/caption]

"We are on the lookout and several arrests will be made forthwith," wrote Sonko on his Facebook page.

Over the past few days, the rate of crime in the city has surged with gangs invading the streets and frustrating citizens.

Reports indicate that the gangs target people leaving banks, forex bureaus, those carrying electronic gadgets or putting on expensive jewelry.

[caption caption="File image of a Nairobi resident being mugged"][/caption]

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