Nairobi police arrest 214 suspects as crack down on Nairobi CBD crime intensifies

Police in Nairobi have arrested 214 suspects in the Central Business District (CBD) as authorities step up efforts to tackle a surge in thefts, muggings, and violent attacks in the city.

The suspects are being processed for arraignment as security agencies work to restore safety and reassure residents.

The crackdown comes amid rising fears in the CBD, where residents and social media users have shared alarming accounts of criminals targeting phones, handbags, and other valuables.

Videos circulating online show victims warning Kenyans to remain alert, particularly during the evenings, and some reports indicate attackers are threatening victims with human excrement if they resist.

Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda on Friday acknowledged the growing concerns but stressed that crime is being addressed both on the streets and online.

“What I can say for those people whose intentions are not good for this city by magnifying issues through various channels is that we, as a policing agency, have deployed all our resources to apprehend these perpetrators. We call them perpetrators because they have caused fear among the public," he said.

Seda reassured residents and business operators, adding: "The CBD is safe, that is my assurance. Businesses are going on as usual, and police visibility has been enhanced."

Several victims recounted harrowing experiences in poorly lit areas after dark. One woman on Kimathi Street described being followed by a group of youths and vowed not to return to the area after 6 pm.

Other social media videos encourage residents to resist quietly giving in to theft, shout for help, and look out for one another.

Authorities say the recent arrests send a strong message to criminal networks operating in Nairobi’s CBD and are a key step toward safeguarding public spaces. Police continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity and remain vigilant while moving through the city.