NAIROBI, Kenya – Police in Nairobi have arrested 214 suspects in an intensified crackdown on crime in the Central Business District (CBD). The suspects are currently being processed ahead of arraignment.
Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to restore order in the capital and dismissed claims that the city had been overrun by criminals.
But Seda also cautioned that crime was not confined to the streets, warning TikTok content creators against exploiting security incidents to chase clout and spread panic.
“Many of these alleged attacks remain unreported, casting doubt on their authenticity and raising concerns about digital sensationalism,” Seda said.
He urged victims of actual incidents to file official complaints with the police, emphasising that justice begins with accountability.
Despite the spike in arrests, the commander reassured Nairobi residents and business owners that the city was safe, citing increased patrols and police visibility.
“CBD is safe, that’s my assurance. Businesses are going on as usual, police visibility is enhanced, and we have all the resources necessary to get these perpetrators,” Seda said.
Crackdown ordered by CS Murkomen
The arrests come a day after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered a major crackdown on muggings in Nairobi, directing security agencies to step up operations against gangs targeting unsuspecting residents.
Murkomen expressed concern over a surge in violent robberies, many linked to groups posing as street children.
The directive followed growing public outcry on social media, where Kenyans have shared harrowing accounts of being followed, robbed in broad daylight, threatened with knives, or harassed by juvenile delinquents.
