Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has flagged pool table dens as favourite spots for criminal gangs, especially in the city.

While speaking during a radio interview on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the commissioner stated that most criminal gangs operate within areas where pool tables are situated.

He went ahead to warn that if you see a pool table den somewhere, you should be worried, noting that most criminal gangs play pool while trying to analyse their next target.

He stated that pool tables are dangerous places and also flagged illicit alcohol dens and casino-like spots, or areas where cards are played, saying that most people who involve themselves in such games are criminals.

Kitiyo further stated that they have already managed to identify over 126 criminal gangs operating within Nairobi and have been arresting members of these groups in different areas. The commissioner added that they have managed to bring down all the ringleaders of the said formations, having obtained their names and contacts.

“If you see a place where there is a pool table outside, be very worried because this is where criminals hang out; they play pool while checking their next potential target, even areas where people play cards and other makeshift structures,” Kitiyo said

Goons’ situation in town

Gilbert Kitiyo also contended that the goons who were previously predominant in the city have already been neutralised; especially those who were spotted during the Gen Z commemoration protests have all been cracked down on, with some arrested.

He went on to state that most of these criminal gangs emerged as goons hired by politicians to advance their politics, but after being used, they were left with nothing to do and ended up on the streets mugging people, terrorising the city, and stealing.

“The security situation in Nairobi has really improved. There are no longer challenges as we had a few months back, especially during the gen z demonstration. they are a group of goons who were being used by politicians. They took that advantage to start terrorising people, but nowadays we have taken care of it; we have already neutralised them.”