On Friday, August 22, Ms Winfred Kitavi was chatting with her son Joshua ahead of his return to school. She had no idea it would be the last time she would see him alive.
Ms Kitavi, who lives at Msasa Court in Umoja 1 in Nairbi’s Embakasi West sub-County, told the Nation that they had discussed the shopping he needed before going back to Matungulu Boys High School in Machakos County.
“If I knew that was our last conversation, I would have stopped him from leaving the house,” she said.
Joshua, a Form Three student, was well known in the neighbourhood for his friendly nature. But on Friday, he was attacked by a gang of teenagers linked to a notorious criminal outfit known locally as Mbogi.
“I was told he had been attacked. We rushed him to Radiant Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival,” said the distraught mother.
Overcome with grief, Ms Kitavi was unable to continue the interview. At her residence, mourners streamed in steadily while her phone rang constantly, some callers offering condolences and others asking for directions to her home.
“I cannot go on with this interview. I am so overwhelmed. Please allow me some time to rest. When I’m ready, I’ll call you,” she said tearfully.
At the entrance to Msasa Court, Joshua’s family has placed his photograph alongside a condolence book where visitors can contribute to funeral expenses.
The death of the Form Three student, who was attacked by a gang known as "Mbogi," has prompted a police crackdown.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation
Authorities had already raised alarm during the August holidays over a surge in teenage gang activity in Umoja. Disturbing images and videos circulating online showed groups of minors armed with knives and machetes attacking their peers and issuing threats.
Many parents have chosen to keep their children indoors or send them to rural homes. Those aged 18 without identity cards have been pushed to apply for them to avoid harassment during police crackdowns.
Mr Evans Makori, a resident near Msasa Court, said he felt some relief now that schools had reopened.
“Since this gang started terrorising children, I have had to keep my kids under close watch. Now that they are back in school, I can relax a little. But the police must act firmly to restore sanity,” he said.
Videos released by the Mbogi gang depict teenagers ambushing peers, beating them to the ground and brandishing knives. In one clip, members walk past a camera flashing hand signs, with one displaying a weapon tucked in his waistband.
Following the killing, police imposed strict rules in Umoja that no child is to loiter past 6 pm and no group of more than five minors is allowed to gather in public. Parents will be held responsible if these rules are flouted.
“It is shocking that children can organise themselves into gangs that kill in the name of belonging,” one resident remarked.
Nairobi County Police Commander George Sedah told the Nation that the matter is under control and investigations are ongoing.
“Since word went around about these gangs, we have made progress. Parents must be vigilant and watch their children closely. No one will be spared in this crackdown,” he said.
The DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
On Wednesday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said investigations into the rise of juvenile gangs in Umoja and its environs had begun.
In a targeted operation led by Buruburu detectives, 14 juveniles—10 boys and four girls—were arrested and arraigned at Makadara Law Courts. Detectives obtained custodial orders to probe the murder of Joshua Kitavi and ensure those responsible face justice.
“Preliminary findings show boys aged 12 to 19 have formed rival groups under names such as Chinje, Mbogi, Bad Bunny, and Silent. They are linked to violent confrontations, phone snatching, and theft in Tena, Innercore, Umoja I, II & III, Kayole, Kariobangi, and nearby estates. Recruitment spikes during school holidays, exposing more youths to crime,” DCI said in a statement.
An officer familiar with the case revealed that the main suspect, identified as “Carlos”, went into hiding after learning he was wanted.
“He was named by his fellow gang members. We urge his parents to present him at the nearest police station,” the officer said.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, young people may be lured into gangs for a sense of belonging, peer pressure, protection, family influence or the promise of making money.
But the consequences are severe exposure to violence, drugs, sexual exploitation, imprisonment, or even death.
Risk factors include growing up in areas with high gang activity, having family members involved in gangs, experiencing violence at home and lack of adult supervision, especially after school. The Academy advises parents to reduce risks by closely monitoring their children’s whereabouts, engaging them in extracurricular activities like sports, arts or religious groups and knowing their children’s friends and their families.
Warning signs that a child may be involved in a gang include unexplained money or gifts, drastic changes in appearance (tattoos, hairstyles, clothing), use of gang slang, graffiti on belongings, withdrawal from family, defiance of curfews, association with known gang members, drug use, or carrying weapons.
