300 suspects arrested in Nairobi mugging crackdown

At least 300 suspects have been arrested in Nairobi in connection with robbery with violence and a surge in muggings, amid growing concerns over security in the Central Business District (CBD).

In recent weeks, Nairobi residents have voiced frustration on social media about rising cases of daylight muggings. The outcry prompted joint operations by the police and the Nairobi County Government, though many critics argue the response came “too little, too late.”

Nairobi Central Police Commander Philemon Nyakombo said some of the reports circulating online were exaggerated but confirmed that arrests had been made.

“We took measures to verify these reports. A few turned out to be genuine, although social media has exaggerated the situation,” Nyakombo said.

He confirmed the arrests and revealed that weapons and stolen items had been recovered.

“We have arrested almost 300 suspects. Some were found with dangerous knives and concealed weapons that can cause harm. We also recovered mobile phones snatched from Kenyans in the city,” he added.

Police have urged victims of muggings to record statements to ensure cases proceed smoothly in court.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also addressed the security situation, encouraging residents to use a toll-free number to report crime.

“There are those who deny that crime exists in Nairobi, but we have provided a toll-free number, 988. Send a message with your location and what you have witnessed so we can assist,” Sakaja said.

He further revealed that investigations were ongoing into individuals suspected of aiding criminal activities in the CBD by tampering with electricity supply.

“Investigations are ongoing into who has been infiltrating power infrastructure in the CBD. We already have suspects. At Moi Avenue, someone had set up their own control box, supplying electricity and being paid for it. These illegal connections, which we thought were confined to slums, are now happening in the CBD,” Sakaja said.

Authorities say the arrests mark progress, but residents are waiting to see whether the heightened operations will restore order in the capital.