Five days of chaos: How Ruto’s Nairobi tour was marred by crime, disruptions

President William Ruto’s five-day tour of Nairobi County was meant to be a moment of connection with city residents, an opportunity to outline his vision and address their concerns. However, the visit left behind a trail of controversy, a wave of crime, disruptions, and even a tragic death.

The President’s tour covered Kamukunji, Mathare, Kasarani, Kibra, Starehe, Ruaraka, Westlands, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Makadara, Langata, and the Embakasi West constituencies.

During his tour of the city, which was marked by roadside pledges, he assured residents that no evictions would occur in Nairobi without alternative housing solutions.

"The Government is aware of land disputes in many parts of the country, including Nairobi County. As we seek to resolve these challenges, no eviction will be carried out until the affected families are provided with alternatives," he said.

He also announced a Sh40 million allocation for the construction of 20 new classrooms in Embakasi, citing the need to improve education in informal settlements.

"Many assume Nairobi has a good system, but some children lack classrooms and remain out of school. Besides the CDF, I allocated Sh1 billion for classrooms and will ensure Nairobi gets more teachers during recruitment," he stated.

He further promised that 10 additional classrooms would be constructed at Umoja 1 Primary and Junior School in Embakasi West to enhance learning conditions.

To address road infrastructure challenges, the President pledged Sh2 billion for road construction in Eastlands, directing the Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and the Cabinet Secretary for Roads Davis Chirchir to oversee the project.

He said the goal was to ensure that Eastlands developed to match the standards of other parts of the city.

"We have agreed that the roads in Eastlands need improvement. I have instructed the governor to work with the Cabinet Secretary for Roads to plan and oversee the construction. I have allocated Sh2 billion specifically for this project," Ruto said while addressing residents in Kayole.

The President also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Umoja Sewerage System, a project aimed at connecting over 50,000 households in Kariobangi, Maili Saba, Umoja, Saika, Tassia, and Tena to proper sewer lines.

He said the initiative would enhance waste management and improve urban living conditions.

Ruto further addressed the ongoing demand for higher wages among youth engaged in climate-related jobs, assuring them that their concerns had been heard and that he was committed to securing better pay.

"I have heard your concerns about the pay and the climate works. You're asking for a pay rise, and I'm committed to making it happen," he said.

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On water supply, the President confirmed that efforts were already underway to improve distribution and ensure that every household in the affected areas would have access to clean water.

Despite these pledges, the immediate reality for many Nairobians was far from promising. Instead of economic relief, they found themselves caught in a surge of crime and disorder.

Daylight robbery

From rampant muggings to school and business closures, his visit was overshadowed by public frustration and insecurity.

President Ruto’s presence in Nairobi appeared to embolden criminals who operated openly during his rallies. Throughout the week, residents were robbed, businesses were looted, and roads became danger zones.

On Monday, during the Kamukunji rally, Nation Media Group videographer Louis Ngari lost his belongings. And by Tuesday, crime had escalated. Robberies were reported near Mountain Mall, Juja Road, and Outering Road. Criminals blended in with the crowds, snatching phones and attacking pedestrians.

In Kawangware, thugs operated next to a police vehicle, robbing passersby without fear of intervention.

Residents in Mathare and Ruaraka witnessed gunshots as gangs terrorised them in broad daylight.

“They ferried people in, and they're actually stealing from people along Thika Road,” said social media user Hanifa Farsafi.

Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja had ordered reinforcements to curb the rising crime, but the measures did little to stop the wave of robberies.

British killed in Ruto’s motorcade incident

The violence peaked with the tragic death of a British national, Charles Frederick, who was allegedly knocked down by Ruto’s motorcade along Ngong Road. The incident sparked outrage, with many Kenyans questioning the government’s disregard for safety.

"Why is this President so chaotic?" posted social media user Naz.

The debate over presidential motorcade privileges intensified, with some questioning whether VIP convoys should take precedence over pedestrian safety.

“It’s cruel and unfair to have foreigners killed in our country. This is a bad international image, and no one will wish to visit Kenya,” wrote X user Dexter.

As President Ruto concluded his tour on Friday, frustration and anger among residents were apparent.

Instead of bringing development, his visit left them reeling from insecurity and economic losses.

In his final speeches, Ruto urged Kenyans to unite.

"We do not want ethnic politics, we have agreed on that. Kenya belongs to all of us, not just one tribe. Let’s unite and build our country together," he stated in Embakasi.

However, for many Nairobians, the real concern was the chaos that followed his visit. Business owners questioned the necessity of his rallies, while residents demanded security and stability instead of political theatrics.

“Kenyans need solutions, not endless politicking. Let him stay at State House and work,” said an X user identified as KenyaUnchained.

Despite the promises made, the lasting impression of Ruto’s Nairobi tour was one of disorder and fear.