Path next to police station now a muggers’ paradise

By PKEMOI NGENOH

Residents crossing from Bahati estate to Jogoo Road are scared for their lives as muggers hide a few metres from where cops sit

Many people believe that living near a police station or using a route near it guarantees one security. But this is not always true.

A shortcut a few metres from Jogoo police station has been invaded by thugs who snatch money and valuables from passers-by even during the day.

To shorten their walking distance, residents crossing from Bahati estate to Jogoo Road prefer the shortcut instead of using the long route via Nyasa Road or Heshima Avenue.

Many Nairobians have been mugged by thugs who attack them from the overgrown trees and an iron-sheeted wall belonging to St Aquinus School.

“Not long ago, I lost a phone to two heavily built men around 7pm in the evening. Luckily it was a simple Nokia 1600 so I couldn’t report the matter to the police. I just concluded it’s time I bought a better phone and I left the scene wondering about others who use the shortcut,” said Leonard, a University student and Bahati resident.

Kate, an attendant in a nearby supermarket, said she found two men and street boys on the way who tried to tried to grab her leg but did not succeed.

An officer at the station said: “Though we cannot rule out such cases since a few report here, people should not risk lives walking around here (Eastlands) at night, but in case one is attacked he or she should raise the alarm for us to hear. We can respond in time.”

Buru Buru CID boss Henry Kiambati said his officers have not been informed about the insecurity issue.

“I have no information about that issue. Maybe the OCS (Jogoo police station) could have something to say on the claims,” Kiambati said.