Armed Goons Chanting 'Wantam' Storm Businesses In Nairobi CBD
After the chants, the group stormed businesses—mainly shops at Nanak House dealing in clothes, cosmetics
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Traders along Kimathi Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) are counting heavy losses after armed goons allegedly raided several shops and made away with goods on Sunday, August 24.
Witnesses said the gang, some masked, was first spotted outside Nanak House opposite Sarova Stanley Hotel, wielding knives and chanting “wantam,” a popular slogan directed at President William Ruto.
After the chants, the group stormed businesses—mainly shops at Nanak House dealing in clothes, cosmetics, and other merchandise—where they threatened traders with knives before looting items.
A police officer confronting protesters in Nairobi CBD on August 8, 2024. /MWARV
Photos and videos seen by Viral Tea showed shattered windows and broken furniture scattered across the shops, highlighting the scale of destruction caused by the attackers.
"I heard people outside singing 'wantam'. And one of them came inside and strangled me while threatening me with a knife. They then entered inside with sacks, closed the door and took everything," one trader said.
Business owners in the area say cases of such attacks are on the rise, but despite reporting them to authorities, no action has been taken so far.
This latest raid comes barely a month after a similar attack in Mukuru kwa Reuben, where goons looted private businesses, making away with goods worth an estimated Ksh4.8 million, including electronics.
That July 20 incident left at least 10 people injured and more than 46 workers stranded without jobs. Witnesses said the gang struck around 8 a.m., just hours after shops had opened, and assaulted anyone who tried to resist.
"We came to work at 5 am. When it got to 8 am, strange people just stormed in and started throwing stones at us. They ransacked the whole place and looted goods," one of the traders said.
With the businesses being their sole source of livelihood, affected traders and workers said they had been pushed into deep financial struggles, unable to meet even their basic needs.
In response to the attack, security agencies in Nairobi launched investigations to track down those responsible.
