Gangs terrorise city residents

Police are hunting for gangsters who are attacking motorists and pedestrians in Nairobi and Kitengela.

The gangsters pounce on motorists as they approach their gates in Nairobi’s South “B”, South “C”, Nairobi West and the city centre from as early as 7pm, according to witnesses.

They appear to target people returning home from work and operate in groups of three, according to police.

The armed gangsters have also attacked people within the Central Business District.

In the past week alone, at least nine such incidents have been reported, prompting security experts to call for mop up of illegal arms.

Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo yesterday instructed police to do everything possible to stamp out the attacks warned those involved in crime.

He was reacting to reports that a serving officer had been arrested in Nairobi on suspicion of being involved in crime.

On Monday, Constable David Kiprotich Chepkok of Nairobi’s Central DCIO’s office was charged with robbery.

He was accused of stealing Sh213,000, a camera and a mobile phone from Mr Joseph Nasio Kangu in Kawangware on February 18.

He went back to the area on Sunday and was spotted by his victim who arrested him and handed the officer over to the police.

Two people were shot dead and at least 15 others robbed in six separate incidents in Nairobi on Sunday night. Three vehicles were also stolen and they are yet to be recovered.

In Kitengela, Kajiado County Ms Anita Marete was shot twice and died on the spot in Muigai estate.

Gangsters raided her brother’s house and robbed them of household goods. As they were leaving, she screamed, and the thugs shot her.

An employee of the Kenya Bureau of Standards was also robbed of his Nissan X-Trail, cash and other personal effects.

The thugs fired one round as they were driving away but the victim was not injured. Police in Buruburu also reported that Mr Ibrahim Ramadhan was shot dead by unknown assailants.

Meanwhile matatu operators operating on the Westlands route yesterday downed their tools to protest over police harassment.

The drivers and conductors claim that police have been arresting them arbitrarily and openly demanding bribes to secure their release. The operators accused the Gigiri traffic boss for leading what they called the extortion, and demanded that he be transferred.

The operators blocked part of the Museum Hill roundabout when they parked their vehicles on the road. At least seven matatus have been detained at the Parklands station since Saturday.