Matatu Thugs Target Women Along Nairobi Roads With New Trick

Thugs in the capital city have changed tactics to rob unsuspecting pedestrians of their valuables along major roads and highways.

According to several victims, the thugs target women before stealing their items, especially phones, and handbags. Allegedly, the thugs use Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) to trick their targets.

In an alert shared by Sikika Road Safety on Saturday, February 11, Kenyans were urged to be cautious as they manoeuvre the streets of Nairobi.

Victims narrated that the thugs pretend to have dropped some money in the matatu, prompting them to help. However, when the victim concentrates on recovering the money, the thugs strike and slyly steal their phones and other valuables. 

A file image of matatus parked along Accra road in Nairobi County.

A victim who sought anonymity told Kenyans.co.ke that the thugs often attack at night between 9 pm and 11 pm.

“I was in a matatu heading home along Thika road, and then two men boarded the vehicle. One sat next to me, and the other behind me.

“After paying the conductor, the one behind me pretended to have dropped some money on my seat and asked me if I would help find the money,” the victim recalled.

The victim added that the culprit gave up after looking for the money after pulling through their tactic. When alighting the matatu, she noted that her phone was missing. Before confronting the thugs, the matatu sped off.

Another victim stated that at around 10 pm, two men boarded her matatu and sat next to her. They then baited and engaged her in a chit-chat. 

Unknown to them, the men were on a mission to steal her phone, among other valuables. 

“These are some tactics thugs have resulted in a bid to reap where they did not sow, preying on unsuspecting passengers,” another victim lamented. 

In 2022, Nairobi residents complained to the county and national government over increased muggings in the city. Several people lost their lives at the hands of merciless criminals.

Nairobi Governor Jonhson Sakaja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki acted swiftly and averted the crisis. 

“The new approach of holding consultative meetings with citizens, leaders, and assorted stakeholders, played a great role in successfully fighting crime,” Kindiki noted.

A file photo of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at a past event.

The Star