Police Shoot Pedestrian in Nairobi While Fighting Muggers

A pedestrian was accidentally shot by police who were chasing a group of muggers along Landhies Road on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that the gang of five was robbing unsuspecting pedestrians of their valuables before they were spotted by an officer who was on his way to work.

The officer tried to fire at them but accidentally hit a pedestrian, the Standard reports.

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The injured man was rushed to hospital where he was treated and discharged as police continued with the hunt for the muggers who escaped on foot.

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.

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.

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.

[caption caption="Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko"][/caption]

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