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Four TikTokers arrested for shooting robbery prank video in front of police station

Screengrabs of the TikTok video.

By Farhiya Hussein | 08 May 2024

Security authorities have expressed concern that the video has tarnished the reputation of both Kilifi police officers and the Administration canteen.

Police in Kilifi have arrested four individuals who staged a robbery outside a police administration block for a viral TikTok video.

The incident, branded as a malicious TikTok prank by security authorities, caused shockwaves when the video circulated widely on social media platforms on Wednesday.

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In the viral video, two individuals on a motorcycle appeared to attempt to mug a passerby carrying a bag. One of the riders dismounted, engaged in a struggle with the passerby, and attempted to snatch the bag while the victim was on the ground after a physical altercation. The perpetrators then fled the scene, leaving bystanders shouting for help.

However, a police report filed at Kilifi Police Station, under OB Number 83/7/05/2024, has clarified the situation, confirming the arrest of the four suspects, who are currently in custody. Authorities are actively pursuing the fifth suspect who remains at large.

It all started when Roy Rick Otieno, the Canteen Manager at Kilifi Administration Police, reported that an unknown individual entered the canteen around 8:30 am, seeking permission to film inside the establishment. Upon being denied, the individual proceeded to orchestrate the prank with three accomplices.

“He was denied and went ahead and stage managed a prank together with his three accomplices,” police said.

As per the police report, one of the suspects feigned intoxication and was then purportedly robbed by two individuals on a motorcycle, while another individual recorded the incident.

The video was subsequently shared on social media platforms, predominantly TikTok, under the account @shabir_shirazy 003, with captions such as "wezi mbele ya police station" (thieves in front of the police station) and "man gets robbed off near a police station in Kilifi."

Security authorities have expressed concern that the video has tarnished the reputation of both Kilifi police officers and the Administration canteen.