Former government advisor on economic affairs Moses Kuria has raised the alarm on the increasing cases of muggings and robberies in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

In a statement on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Kuria demanded sustained action on the vice, noting that the stature of Nairobi in the region cannot allow it to be ravaged by petty criminals marauding the streets.

“The alarming and increasing reports of insecurity in Nairobi require urgent attention. Nairobi cannot continue with its aspirations to be a regional financial and services hub with this kind of mathogothanio management. We can cut our deals locally, but do not expect international investors to subscribe to our mediocrity,” Kuria observed.

Surge in insecurity

Recent reports and public outcry have highlighted a troubling surge in insecurity and muggings within Nairobi’s CBD.

The once-bustling heart of Kenya’s capital now contends with an atmosphere of fear, as criminals employ increasingly brazen and violent tactics to rob pedestrians going through some of the alleys in the city.

Accounts from residents and visitors reveal a pattern where opportunistic crime, particularly phone and valuables snatching, has become a daily threat, disrupting routine life and raising serious concerns about public safety.

Modus operandi

Victims recount that the muggings are usually done by groups of youth on foot or using motorcycles (boda bodas) to target pedestrians in broad daylight and as dusk sets in.

Some of the hotspots for these crimes are commonly reported to be around busy areas like the National Archives, Koja, River Road, Globe Cinema Roundabout, and even upscale areas along Kimathi Street.

Beyond the theft, there are disturbing reports of violent assaults involving the use of knives and needles to coerce victims of the robberies to surrender their valuables.

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, celebrity chef and former Kenya 7s rugby star Dennis Ombachi linked the spate of muggings to political goons.

“If you dig deeper, the rise in insecurity in Nairobi’s CBD isn’t random. It ties back to the emboldened hired goons who, with no peaceful protestors left to harass, never left the streets. Now they’re just roaming for the next easy pay cheque they were weaned on,” Ombachi said.