Nairobi residents have complained of a surge in mugging incidents in the CBD by youthful gangs who mostly target phones, laptops and expensive jewellery.
According to a source, the most notorious places are; Temple Road, Hakati Road, Railways Terminus on Haile Selassie Avenue, KTDA Moi Avenue and Racecourse Road.
It is also reported that the incidents happen mostly between 4 am - 6 am and 7 pm - 11 pm.
[caption caption="File Photo of Haile Selassie Avenue"]
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Tito Kilonzi, a Chief Officer in the Security Department of Nairobi County Government, admitted that there was an increase in crime in the CBD, revealing that it has shifted from downtown Nairobi to the major streets.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Sunday revealed that intelligence reports indicate that politicians and businessmen were funding the criminals.
He also stated 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.
"We are on the lookout and several arrests will be made forthwith," wrote Sonko on his Facebook page.
Elsewhere, 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.
[caption caption="File Photo of Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi"]
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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.
