300 arrested in Nairobi CBD gang crackdown amid rising crime
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 9, 2025At least 300 suspects have been arrested in Nairobi in connection with a recent surge in robberies and muggings, highlighting growing security concerns in the city’s Central Business District (CBD).
Police confirmed that the suspects are set to face charges in court, urging victims to come forward and provide statements to support ongoing investigations.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has also reassured residents of his support, promising firm action against criminal gangs operating in the CBD.
“As you’ve seen, the investigations are going on on who has been infiltrating the power infrastructure. We have suspects,” he said.
“There are areas we’ve seen. You know, we thought these illegal connections, you, for a long time, were just in the informal settlements. But now in the CBD, you know, in an area like Moi Avenue, has its own control box supplying other people power and people are paying. You know that is criminal.”
In recent weeks, frustrated Nairobians took to social media to express concern over the deteriorating security situation, with reports of muggings even during daylight hours. Authorities have acknowledged that some claims on social media were exaggerated but confirmed that multiple incidents were genuine.
“Almost 300 (persons of interest), of which we have processed. We have taken a few cases to court where suspects were found with knives, concealed weapons, and their cases are ongoing through the criminal justice system. We also have a few cases where phones have been snatched and we were able to recover them,” Philemon Nyakombo, Nairobi Central police commander, said.
People urged to report
The crackdown comes as part of a coordinated response by the police and Nairobi County government to restore safety in the CBD. Governor Sakaja encouraged residents to report crimes directly through a toll-free number.
“There’s a toll fee number. You send a message and start with Nairobi and just say, Niko hapa tom mboya nimeona mtu akingoa, niko hapa Kenyatta Avenue,” he said, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in crime prevention.
Sakaja also outlined measures to address vandalism and infrastructure tampering. Investigations are ongoing into those responsible for damaging streetlights and power lines, which create opportunities for criminal activity.
“Tunafanya kazi Pamoja na Kenya Power na Kenya Police Service Pamoja na wale officers wa NGAO na commissioner wetu wa Nairobi, kitiyo county commissioner Wanyonyi, na team zote kuhakikisha kwamba kuna usalama,” he said, stressing collaboration with Kenya Power, police, and county security officers to safeguard the city.
The governor further appealed to Bodaboda operators to cooperate with authorities and avoid facilitating criminal activities.
“Wale ambao wanafanya kazi ya Bodaboda, majority of Bodaboda riders are good people, nawasihi wasikubali watu wengine wasiingie miongoni mwao, kuwaharibia jina,” he said.
While acknowledging that current insecurity levels remain lower than when he took office in 2022, Sakaja assured Nairobians that decisive action is being taken to prevent a return to higher crime levels. The combined efforts of the county and national security teams aim to restore normalcy and ensure that the CBD remains safe for residents, traders, and visitors alike.