Muggings, Pickpocketing In Malls: Govt Warns Kenyans Of 8 Security Risks During Festive Season

The government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, on Monday, December 16 issued a security advisory citing eight key concerns ahead of the festive season.

The Ministry in its advisory emphasized the importance of public vigilance as criminal activity tends to surge during this period.

It began by warning of petty offences, including pickpocketing and muggings, particularly in crowded places such as shopping malls, markets, and public transport hubs. 

Despite our recent spot checks on some major shopping malls, which pointed out round-the-clock security, the Ministry's warning may have been informed by their being overcrowded during past festive periods and public holidays as well.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo speaking at the opening session of the inaugural 2024 Annual High Court Human Rights Summit on December 10, 2024. /RAYMOND OMOLLO

Additionally, authorities have noted a rise in drug distribution and the production of illicit alcoholic brews, which remain a significant concern during the holidays.

The Ministry also alerted Kenyans on the exploitation of vulnerable children as well as gender-based violence. 

Home burglaries are another growing threat, especially as families travel upcountry and leave their homes unattended. This is on top of increased car break-ins, likely to occur in the upcountry areas and within the city.

Further, the Ministry of Interior pointed out a major concern regarding traffic violations during the holidays, with reports of reckless road behaviour such as drunk driving, speeding, and vehicle overloading.

Another issue flagged is noise violations, which tend to increase during the festive period due to celebrations and public gatherings, with the Ministry deeming these cases as a public nuisance requiring effective regulation. 

On the other hand, counterfeit goods and cybercrime also feature prominently in the advisory, with many unsuspecting buyers falling victim to fake products and online scams disguised as holiday promotions.

Finally, the Ministry highlighted the ongoing security concerns in border counties, where terrorism remains a significant threat.

On December 5, 2024, the National Police Service (NPS) announced that it deployed more specialized units including Formed Police Units and undercover officers alongside the Regular Police, to intensify patrols and heighten both ground and aerial surveillance in the major towns, borders, places of worship, shopping malls and critical infrastructural areas.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced that he had recalled all police officers who were on leave to resume duty with immediate effect.