Nairobi CBD turns dangerous after dark as gangs terrorise pedestrians

A view of Nairobi CBD at night [Elvis Ogina/Standard] Nairobi residents are living in fear following a resurgence of organised criminal gangs terrorising pedestrians in the Central Business District (CBD) after dark. A flood of videos shared on TikTok reveals chilling accounts of young men operating in groups along streets such as Moi Avenue, not only robbing but also threatening to harm their victims. One user, Miss Bree described a detailed ordeal she underwent along Kimathi Street. "I had gone to town to get my hair done and shop for back-to-school. I decided to pass by a restaurant to get dinner. As I was walking there, I saw a group of young boys standing around. It was half past 7 p.m., and it was dark with no lights and little human traffic," she recounted. "As I was crossing, I saw a group of people following me. I ordered my cab and asked my driver to wait for me as I bought," she added. @missbreedramateacher CBD has well dressed dudes with knives and broken bottles. please be careful and avoid walking along abandoned streets past 6 especially on weekends. They look stylish and well kempt, you would never suspect them unless you are very keen.#nairobitiktokers #kenyantiktok?? #nairobi#nairobikenya original sound - bree@kim22 She noted that a security guard in the area had recently been stabbed while trying to stop a mugging. Another Nairobi resident, Maimuna Abdinasir, issued a stark warning. "Be alert. It's not safe in town anymore. There are young people walking around with knives. They want to rob you and kill you. There are no street lights in the hotspot areas, which have now become their den. Once it gets to 6 p.m., things get bad," she said. @maimunaabdinasir1 original sound - Maimuna-Abdinasir She added: "Some will even smear you with human waste if you fail to cooperate. These people want to kill, not just steal. Please be safe out there." The disturbing testimonies have reignited concerns about insecurity in the capital, once touted as a thriving 24-hour economy but now increasingly unsafe. Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria acknowledged the problem, saying the gangs often blend in as content creators during the day before turning to crime at night. "These youths disguise themselves as Gen Z content creators in the CBD, but by around 5 p.m., they begin stealing from unsuspecting people. They operate in large groups of 20-30 criminals, surrounding victims and robbing them of all their belongings," Mosiria said. I have noted videos circulating on social media, some of which I have been tagged in, people claims that gangs of youths terrorizing city residents, particularly over the weekends. These youths disguise themselves as Gen Z content creators in the CBD, but by around 5:00 p.m.,... pic.twitter.com/gkNqXNpSvS - Geoffrey Mosiria (@HonMosiria) September 3, 2025 He added that street families are also involved. "Some engage in illegal activities, including dumping waste at night and robbing people before fleeing to the backstreets. Others use human waste to extort money or valuables from residents." On social media, Kenyans are now left to watch over one another. "Be careful. Nairobi is not safe. Even peaceful places like Moi Avenue are unsafe. The thugs walk in gangs. Avoid walking alone," one TikTok user warned. Another, Mjaka Mfine, added: "If you're in town, be very careful. The thugs will steal from you and hurt you. If you refuse, they'll threaten to smear human waste on you. That's how you end up giving them everything." @_.mjakamfine ???#fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #viraltiktok #trendingvideo original sound - Mitchelle ? Several victims have also shared their experiences. "Imagine I was robbed at gunpoint in public at Archives near Chicken Inn, but nobody helped me, people just walked by," said Hantim Luti. Wanjira Mwangi recalled: "I was in town yesterday and saw three people robbed at Archives. Town is so unsafe between 6 and 7:30 p.m. I saw it while queuing for a matatu." Another victim, Jasper Wendo, said: "On Saturday I was attacked by that gang. They almost took my motorbike near Galito's. I was slapped but escaped by switching off my headlight and sneaking past them using my indicator." The surge in insecurity comes as Governor Johnson Sakaja battles political turbulence, following a failed impeachment motion. ODM ward representatives had filed the motion but suspended it for 30 days after intervention from party leader Raila Odinga. At the same time, President William Ruto persuaded UDA MCAs to cooperate with Sakaja, giving the governor a temporary reprieve. After day-long consultations chaired separately by Odinga and the President, the motion was dropped. Police are yet to comment on the insecurity being witnessed in the capital.

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