Kilimani residents in Nairobi have raised concerns over the escalating cases of crime in the neighbourhood, targetting pedestrians and motorists.
Some of the residents said that they have been violently mugged by armed criminals who freely roam the posh estate. Many say they have lost valuables - with some of them suffering injuries.
In a thread shared on social media pages, on Wednesday, March 31, the residents claimed that the thugs use motorbikes as a gateway medium after committing theft.
"Thugs targetting mobile phones and accessories are back in Kilimani. My wife and I were robbed of our phones at gunpoint just before 7 pm as we returned from a walk. At least they did not harm us. Be careful and take steps back when you see a boda boda rider with a passenger randomly stopping near you.
"A cab driver nearby told us these guys show up about once or twice every month and then disappear. Today was just our unlucky day. Once in a while, we hear people screaming outside, the same thing happening to others.," one Fakii who fell victim to the gang cautioned.
He added that the incident occurred 100 meters away from their estate gate.
A resident identified as Kabelo added that the thugs usually do not inflict any injuries on their targets only if one cooperates. Others warned that Kaburu Drive was one of the areas prone to the crime.
Joggers also raised alarm over the vicious gang, saying that most of them resorted to leaving their gadgets at home when out running.
"One of my friends was mugged near my home. It is happening a lot in Kilimani. Armed men on motorbikes grab pedestrian's bags and phones and immediately ride away like they own the neighbourhood," another resident noted.
"I strongly condemn this act. Pole sana ndugu. I am in the bodaboda sector and this breaks my heart. These individuals are out to destroy our reputation and our sector too," Amos Ochenge added.
In June 2020, detectives arrested four suspects who were caught on CCTV robbing a pedestrian. The four were tracked down to their hideouts in Kawangware, Gatina, and Pangani. A laptop and mobile phone robbed from the victim were recovered.
Former Kilimani OCPD Lucas Ogara then told Kenyans.co.ke that they had beefed up security and police patrols in the area which is famous for murder, suicides, money laundering, and business scams cases.
The same criminal gang roaming in Kilimani was reported to have terrorised Thome estate, Nairobi, between January and April 2020. Police, however, initiated a crackdown and flushed out several gangs.
