US embassy warns its citizens over criminal activities in Nairobi

When former US President Barack Obama paid his respects after laying a wreath at the Memorial Park in Nairobi on July 25, 2015, commemorating the August 7, 1998 bombing of the US Embassy. [File, Standard]

American Embassy in Nairobi has appealed to its citizens to be on the lookout in the city lest they fall victims of armed robbers.

Through a security alert on their website dated March 15, the embassy stated there are reports of increased criminal activity in residential areas of Nairobi.

"Incidents include crimes of opportunity such as purse and phone snatching. The government of Kenya is taking measures to place more police in high crime areas," the alert reads in part.

For this reason, US citizens in the city have been advised to be aware of their surroundings and keep a low profile.

"Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches, or flashing large sums of money; keep valuables, such as phones, concealed," the alert reads.

Warning, "Do not physically resist any robbery attempt and remain calm. Confrontation with these individuals often leads to violence."

They have also been asked to keep doors of their vehicles locked and windows up when in traffic.

The security alert comes after recent incident where three robbers on boda-boda reportedly robbed a United Nation's staff.

It is stated that the staff was walking with his dog when the three robbers confronted him along Glory Road in Runda in the evening hours.

However, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said the police acted swiftly over the case. He said that attack on the foreigner is an isolated case.

"We have recovered the two phones around Githogoro slums, a motorbike that the thugs were using was traced and a suspect arrested on Friday," he told The Standard.