How Eastleigh defied misleading narratives, remained peaceful throughout 2024

Eastleigh, one of Nairobi's most vibrant business hubs, has remained peaceful throughout 2024 despite narratives to the contrary that have circulated online and in certain media outlets.

These claims often painted Eastleigh as unsafe, but an in-depth look into events shows that incidents attributed to Eastleigh either happened elsewhere or were exaggerated.

Misleading narratives

On October 22, the discovery of a young Somali woman’s body in Parklands shocked Nairobi, with fear spreading quickly across the Somali community in Eastleigh.

The police later established that the victim was one of three women allegedly killed by a suspect, Hashim Dagane Muhumed. The three victims were identified as Waris Daud, her daughter Nuseiba, and her niece Amina Abdirashid.

Although the women lived in Eastleigh, investigations revealed that they were killed in other parts of Nairobi, not Eastleigh.

Shortly after this case, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations connected Hashim to the killing of another woman, Deka Abdinoor, who was reported missing on October 24 at the California Police Station.

Matatus on Yusuf Haji Avenue in Eastleigh, Nairobi. (Photo: File/Abdirahman Khalif)

CCTV footage captured Deka shopping in Nairobi’s Central Business District on October 29 before taking a taxi to Kilimani. It is believed that she was killed there, with Hashim later seen carrying a polythene bag suspected to contain her remains. Parts of her body were discovered in Lang’ata Cemetery on October 31.

While these tragedies shook Nairobi, none of the crimes occurred in Eastleigh. However, misinformation spread on social media and by bloggers created the impression that Eastleigh was the epicentre of these events, falsely portraying the area as unsafe.

Another incident further fueled this narrative on November 2, when CCTV footage surfaced showing a man entering a house in Ushirika, Starehe Constituency.

After being let in by a housemaid, the man assaulted a young woman and stole valuables before fleeing with the maid. Investigations revealed that both perpetrators were Ugandan nationals.

Despite Ushirika being outside Eastleigh, the incident was misreported by some media outlets as occurring within Eastleigh.

The new Bilal Towers in Eastleigh's fifty street, Yusuf Haji Avenue. (Ahmed Shafat)

Leaders address misinformation

At the launch of a 17-story building on Yusuf Haji Avenue in Eastleigh on December 6, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan condemned the false narratives surrounding the area.

He attributed the negative publicity to individuals envious of Eastleigh's prosperity and its booming business sector.

"There are a few people who write negatively about Eastleigh, reactionary people who are envious of the success of Eastleigh. My message is Eastleigh belongs to every Kenyan; its success is Kenyan success," said the MP.

He emphasised that Eastleigh’s growth benefits not just the local community but also the country’s economy.

Despite the misleading reports, Eastleigh’s safety and economic activity remained unaffected. The Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Adan noted that propaganda did not deter investors or disrupt businesses.

"Eastleigh has been very safe. You can confirm that with the high number of new businesses cropping up every day," he said.

The writer of this article conducted independent observations of Eastleigh’s security, visiting the area several times at night. Along 12th Street, establishments like Curubo Hotel, Ramas Restaurant, Sirabex Pharmaceutical, and Rafiki Clinic were operating late into the night, with some open 24 hours.

On the streets, pedestrians, cars, and boda boda operators carried on with their activities without fear.

President William Ruto visists BBS Mall in Eastleigh. (Amin Abdullahi)

Recognition from key leaders

The area received key leaders this year, many of which acknowledged how it was safe and others moved around without tight security.

President William Ruto visited Eastleigh's BBS Mall without tight security. Accompanied by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, the president mingled with residents, underscoring the area’s stability.

The safety of Eastleigh has been acknowledged by international figures. In April, German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth visited Eastleigh and expressed confidence in the area’s security.

"I feel very safe here. I do not need any kind of security," said Groth.

His visit, which highlighted Eastleigh's rapid development, was seen as a positive endorsement. Other diplomats, including UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan, French Ambassador Arnaud Suquet and Deputy Ambassador of China to Kenya Zhang Zhizhong, have also praised Eastleigh's safety during their visits.

Asmali Media CEO Ahmed Mohamed gives German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth a tour of Eastleigh on on January 18, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Eastleigh’s peace and safety have been attributed to a combination of robust policing and strong community engagement. With four police stations serving the neighbourhood, law enforcement has maintained a consistent presence, ensuring security day and night.

Additionally, the area's business community has played a key role in fostering peace. By working closely with law enforcement and investing in private security measures, the community has created an environment conducive to both safety and economic growth.

Despite efforts to tarnish its reputation, Eastleigh has remained a beacon of stability in Nairobi. The area continues to thrive as a major business hub, attracting investors and visitors alike.