Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered an intensified crackdown on muggings in Nairobi following growing concerns over rising insecurity in the city’s central business district (CBD).
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Bungoma, Murkomen said security agencies have been directed to step up operations targeting organized criminal gangs that have been terrorizing residents.
“We have noticed that part of the problem is caused by individuals who pose as street children, yet they are of significant adult age. They pretend to be homeless, but their main agenda is to rob and attack people. This must stop,” Murkomen said.
He revealed that some of the gangs are armed with knives and operate in groups, staging coordinated attacks on unsuspecting passersby.
The CS warned that perpetrators will not escape accountability, adding that underage status would no longer be used as a shield against prosecution.Murkomen placed responsibility for dealing with petty crime squarely on local police leadership.
“They should not wait for directives from Nairobi. Issues like muggings and theft are the daily responsibility of the OCS and officers in their areas,” he stated.
The Interior CS also addressed child defilement issue stating that it is a very big menance especially in the western region of Kenya.
“I have been informed that most defilement is actualy perpetrated by family members…yet in some instances the community members are shielding the perpetrators,” the CS said.
Murkomen further noted that plans are underway ro convene a meeting to talk on the issue, urging the security officers to stay vigilant and ensure that the perpetrators of the act are held accountable.
Earlier in the day, while addressing OCSs at the National Police Service Academy in Ngong, the CS issued firm instructions for officers to take decisive action against criminals. He added that the ministry is ready to redeploy officers where necessary to strengthen operational command.
Murkomen’s remarks come as Nairobi residents continue to raise alarm over frequent incidents of theft, muggings and violent robberies in the CBD. Victims have shared disturbing accounts on social media of being attacked, drugged and robbed, with many warning others to stay vigilant, particularly in the evenings.
In several viral videos, Kenyans narrated how gangs are targeting mobile phones, handbags and other valuables.
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