Police arrest 214 individuals linked to spate of criminal activities in Nairobi CBD

The arrests come as tension mounts in the CBD, with residents and social media users sharing alarming accounts of muggings, drugging, and robberies.
Police in Nairobi have arrested 214 suspects in the Central Business District (CBD) amid growing fears over escalating thefts and violent attacks in the capital.
The suspects are currently being processed for arraignment as authorities intensify efforts to curb criminal activity.
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The arrests come as tension mounts in the CBD, with residents and social media users sharing alarming accounts of muggings, drugging, and robberies.
Videos circulating online show victims warning Kenyans to stay vigilant, particularly in the evenings.
Many report that the criminals target phones, handbags, and other valuables, often using intimidation and violence. Some online reports indicate that attackers are even threatening victims with human excrement if they refuse to hand over gadgets.
Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda emphasised that crime is not only occurring in the streets but is also being amplified online. He warned that many of the reported incidents remain unverified, adding that the arrests are part of a larger effort to restore order.
“What I can say for those people whose intentions are not good for this city by magnifying issues through various channels is that we, as a policing agency, have deployed all our resources to apprehend these perpetrators. We call them perpetrators because they have caused fear among the public," said Seda.
"The CBD is safe, that is my assurance. Businesses are going on as usual, and police visibility has been enhanced," he added.
Several victims have described attackers operating in poorly lit areas, particularly after dark. One woman recounted a frightening encounter on Kimathi Street, where she was followed by a group of youths in a dark corner and vowed not to return to the area after 6 pm.
Other videos circulating on social media advise residents not to give in quietly to theft, encouraging people to shout for help and look out for one another.
Authorities say the arrests are a major step toward ensuring safety in the CBD, sending a clear message to criminal networks operating in the area.
Police continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity and remain vigilant while moving through the city.
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