NAIROBI, Kenya — Two thieves accused of stealing a car grille from a motorist in broad daylight along Wangari Maathai Road were later arrested following a dramatic chase involving police officers near Michuki Memorial Park.
The incident, first highlighted by Y News, occurred while the victim was stuck in traffic heading towards Nairobi’s central business district.
According to the motorist, two teenage boys approached the vehicle while pretending to cross the road before one of them suddenly ripped off the front grille and fled within seconds.
“As they neared my car, they slowed down and did that ‘we are crossing the road’ body language,” the victim recounted in a social media post.
“Only for one to suddenly turn, yank out my front grille within a fraction of a second, and sprint off like he was competing in the Olympics.”
The victim said the suspects appeared completely unfazed despite repeated hooting from motorists and quickly disappeared into the distance before anyone could react.
After documenting the damage, the motorist contacted an acquaintance attached to Central Police Station seeking assistance.
About 30 minutes later, the victim received a call informing them that the suspects had allegedly been arrested and the stolen grille recovered.
According to the account shared online, the suspects reportedly fled towards Michuki Park before attempting to escape through sewage drainage channels leading towards the Grogon area.
Police officers stationed near the park are said to have pursued and eventually apprehended the suspects after what the victim described as a difficult chase.
“The sewage smell arrived before they did,” the motorist humorously recalled after seeing the suspects brought to the police station.
The victim also reflected on the dangers motorists face during such sudden incidents, saying there was a brief temptation to ram the suspects with the vehicle before realizing the risk of causing an accident or facing legal consequences.
“I later asked one of the officers what would have happened if I had actually hit one of them. His answer? ‘That would also become a case… and inaweza kukugeukia,’” the victim said.
The incident has sparked renewed public concern over rising petty theft targeting motorists in Nairobi traffic, particularly theft of vehicle parts such as side mirrors, grilles, emblems, and headlights.
Cases involving organized gangs operating along congested roads have increasingly been reported in areas around Parklands, Pangani, Ngara, Globe Roundabout, and sections of the central business district.
Police have repeatedly advised motorists to remain alert in traffic and immediately report suspicious activity to nearby patrol officers or police stations.
