18-year-old detained over violently robbing Kiamaiko traders

An 18-year-old man suspected to be among three men who accosted two meat traders in Kiamaiko and Huruma in Nairobi while armed with pangas and knives and robbed them of cash and mobile phones worth more than Sh100,000 is facing charges of violent robbery.

Abdi Nache was charged with robbing Abdi Hirbo of a mobile phone worth Sh38,000 and cash—Sh73,000—on September 19, 2024, contrary to Section 296(2)  of the Penal Code.

Hirbo was walking home when he was ambushed by the men who placed the pangas above his neck, threatening to "puncture" his head if he raised an alarm.

They ransacked his pockets, stealing his cash and phone before fleeing. He was able to identify the suspects during the robbery, speaking to them in his mother tongue before they escaped.

On September 25, Abdi also allegedly violently robbed Molu Sora Bonaya, stealing a mobile phone valued at Sh19,000 and Sh2,000 in cash, in violation of the law.

During the robbery, Molu faced a terrifying situation when a knife was pressed against his ribs, with the suspects warning him not to raise the alarm. Both incidents were reported to the Huruma police station, prompting a manhunt for the culprits.

Later, Molu spotted Abdi in the area and promptly alerted the police, leading to his arrest. Officers reportedly discovered a knife with a wooden handle in Abdi's possession, which was retained as evidence in the case against him.

Abdi faces an additional charge of being in possession of suspected stolen property contrary to Section 323 of the Penal Code after he was found with a mobile phone he could allegedly not prove ownership of.

Police found him with the phone during his arrest in the Huruma Kiamaiko area, carried out by police constable Sammy Githui on September 28.

They believed that he unlawfully obtained the device.

Abdi denied the charges before Principal Magistrate Irene Mugo at the Makadara Law Courts. He was remanded in custody until October 22, when the court is expected to set bail and bond terms following the receipt of a social inquiry report.

The case hearing is scheduled to begin on February 12, 2025.