Raila Speaks On Increased Nairobi Muggings, Killer Bodaboda Thugs
The former Prime Minister criticised the deteriorating state of security in the country
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Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga has expressed fear regarding the increased cases of mugging in Nairobi and its environs that have seen Kenyans stabbed by thugs in broad daylight.
In a statement on Thursday, November 10, the former Prime Minister criticised the deteriorating state of security in the country that is contributing to what he termed as a sense of "lawlessness and impunity."
He named a number of incidences ranging from the increased muggings to the criminal gang posing as auctioneers raiding and demolishing a luxury family home in Westlands to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji to drop cases against government officials, the latest being Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and profiling of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
DP Rigathi Gachagua arrives at the Milimani Courts in July 2021. /FILE
“A general sense of lawlessness is taking shape. Our security appears to have deteriorated overnight, with widespread incidents of daylight crimes, making families lose their loved ones to thugs in broad daylight, particularly in Nairobi,” said Odinga.
“Lawlessness and impunity seem to be finding their way back into our national life, targeting not just individuals but also property in a manner witnessed in a previous era that Kenyans had hoped was gone forever.
Raila warned of more consequences if the current trend is not addressed, which will make criminals bolder and begin targeting communities as well as security officers.
In a viral Facebook post on Tuesday, November 8, Dr Lilian Munyua, who is attached to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), noted that she has been receiving patients who have been victims of stabbing cases from muggings across the city.
"If you have family or close friends coming to Nairobi or residing here, please advise them appropriately. These past two weeks have not been easy at work. We are receiving an average of 4-7 cases of stabbing daily from muggings around the city.
"I have helplessly watched young and old, men and women, breathe their last while trying to save them. Some are in ICU while others have survived but with lifelong injuries," she wrote.
She listed areas such as Drive-In Flyover up to KCA University, KCA Underpass and Total exit, Globe roundabout and Kipande Road as some of the hotspots where victims have been accosted and injured by the armed criminals.
Others include ABC Place and Kangemi along Waiyaki Way and the Central Business District (Archives), River Road and Fig Tree area as well as around Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Offices.
"Please note these killer thugs are stealing in broad daylight. If you resist they will stab or shoot you without a second thought. Advise your friends and family to avoid walking alone or getting late in these places.
"If you're carrying a laptop in a backpack, you remain a target, be sure you will lose it or lose your life in these places," she warned, adding that the culprits are becoming bolder by the day as the December holidays draw closer.
Viral Tea paid a fact-finding visit to the Allsops stage on Tuesday evening, which now has a footbridge which can be described as the longest in the city, serving Thika Road and Outering Roads.
The issue we discovered is that the whole area surrounding the footbridge has no streetlights, compared to footbridges along Thika Road are well-lit every night.
The lack of proper lighting even on the bridge itself makes crossing it almost a worry, especially during the night hours.
