Traders and residents of Bee Center in Umoja, Nairobi, are slowly resuming their daily activities after a chaotic incident on Friday where a gang of youth on motorbikes wreaked havoc, robbing innocent civilians. The situation forced businesses to shut down for hours as shopkeepers and residents feared being attacked or looted.
The incident, which occurred around midday, saw the gang storm the area, creating panic among traders and pedestrians. Many shop owners opted to close their businesses, while others locked themselves inside for safety. The fear and anxiety lingered into the weekend, with residents remaining on high alert.
Parents in the area have expressed concern for their teenage sons, worried that they could be mistaken for criminals and arrested amid heightened vigilance by both residents and law enforcement.
According to witnesses, the armed gang moved swiftly, harassing and robbing unsuspecting people before they were repelled by local business owners and police officers who arrived at the scene in two vehicles. Law enforcement authorities, who had been tracking the gang following public complaints, acted swiftly to contain the situation.
John, a barber at Bee Center, recalled the frightening experience. “I was attending to a customer when I suddenly heard loud noises motorbikes racing and honking uncontrollably. We quickly locked ourselves inside the shop,” he said.
By Friday evening, police officers, in collaboration with local traders, managed to arrest several suspects and impound their motorbikes. Edgar Kamau, a resident, noted that criminal activities have been on the rise in the area. “I was recently mugged while walking along the road, and my phone was snatched by a group of youth,” he lamented.
Bee Center, a crucial intersection linking Jacaranda estate, Kayole, Umoja 1, and Nasra estate, has long been a hotspot for criminal activities. During political demonstrations in 2024, a bicycle shop owner lost his entire stock, and other businesses, including a restaurant and a barbershop, suffered property damage.
Following the Friday chaos, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrest of 38 suspects. The police recovered seven motorcycles and several mobile phones. The suspects will face charges, including robbery with violence, preparation to commit a felony, and obstruction.
Authorities have assured residents of increased patrols and security measures to prevent further incidents.
