It was a terrifying eight seconds for four women seemingly of foreign decent who were, on Thursday, June 1, attacked by suspected thieves who forcefully snatched a bag from one of the ladies.
The incident along Nairobi's Ngong Road was well-captured by closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed around the roundabout leading to Jamhuri Estate.
In the video, the main suspect was seen lurking behind the women who were only minding their business while striding towards the direction of the Nairobi Central Business District.
Shortly after, the thief pounced on one of the women and grabbed her handbag, which had been strapped around her neck.
A brief standoff ensued as the victim attempted to come to terms with what was going on. However, in seconds, the suspect untangled the bag and ran away.
Initially, it appeared the suspect was a lone wolf that had planned to rob on his own.
However, the subsequent seconds proved a startling reality of a well-coordinated incident planned by a gang of around seven members -some of who were riding on three motorbikes.
In an all too familiar classical fashion, other CCTV footage showed the thief hoping on a getaway motorbike waiting for him, barely metres from the incident.
Some members of the public were also filmed charging to the scene of the crime in an attempt to recover the stolen handbag, but their efforts were futile.
Given that there was no traffic, the thieves escaped on high-speed motorbikes easily to avoid arrest by the onlookers. The women were also seen trying to run after the thieves.
After the video went viral, Kenyans on social media registered their disappointment with the young men who turned to robbery instead of channelling their energy to economically productive ventures.
Some called on the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure that the culprits are apprehended.
