A man believed to be part of a street gang that harasses and steals from members of the public was arrested during a joint operation in the Central Business District.

The suspect, thought to be part of a group posing as police officers, was found in possession of police-issued handcuffs during a search of his belongings.

“This comes amid numerous complaints from residents about impostors pretending to be police officers in order to harass and extort money,” said Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi’s County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment.

“Criminal gangs have been using these tactics to terrorize innocent citizens.”

The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court, Mosiria said.

The operation was part of a wider effort by the Nairobi Environment Department, in collaboration with the National Police Service, to dismantle criminal networks and remove illegal structures that are often used as hideouts.

“We are committed to restoring safety and order in the CBD,” Mosiria said. “The National Police Service has assured residents that enforcement efforts will be intensified to rid the city of criminal elements.”

The crackdown follows increased public outcry over rising cases of theft and harassment by street gangs operating under the guise of law enforcement.

Some Nairobi residents have raised alarms over what they say is a noticeable increase in theft incidents within the city’s Central Business District (CBD).

Many have taken to social media to recount their experiences, claiming they were mugged, drugged, or had their belongings stolen while navigating the busy streets of the capital.

Videos shared online show victims cautioning others to remain vigilant, especially during the evening hours.

According to these accounts, criminals often go after valuables like mobile phones and bags, with public transport users being among the most vulnerable.

Frustration has also been directed at security agencies, with some residents claiming little action is taken when such cases are reported.

Just a day after a major police sweep led to the arrest of 214 individuals in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), authorities are tightening their grip on both street crime and online misinformation.

Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda has raised concerns that criminal activity is no longer limited to physical spaces but is increasingly being mirrored and manipulated online.

He particularly called out TikTok content creators who are using alleged crime scenes to gain attention, often spreading false or exaggerated narratives.

“These online reports are mostly unverified,” Seda noted, pointing out that many of the incidents circulating on social media haven’t been reported to police, which raises serious doubts about their legitimacy.

Despite the wave of arrests, Commander Seda assured Nairobi residents that the situation is under control.

“We have deployed all necessary resources to tackle the situation. The CBD remains safe, businesses are open, and police visibility has been stepped up,” he said.

The crackdown follows a directive from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who instructed security agencies to ramp up operations targeting criminal gangs, particularly those disguising themselves as street children.

He cited growing concern over the rise in violent robberies affecting city dwellers.

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