Ngumba estate residents raise concern over rampant insecurity

A silent feeling of apprehension can be felt in air as you walk on the streets of Ngumba estate, a middle class neighbourhood in Kasarani sub-county, Nairobi.

A few days ago – two young men were lynched by an angry mob after they were found breaking into houses in the estate.

Residents told Wananchi Reporting that the suspects were ‘toddlers’ – still in their 20s – or thereabout.

The two, armed with a machete and a Taser, are said to have accosted a caretaker of one of the buildings within Mbinda section of the estate – moments after breaking into the building.

The caretaker raised alarm, drawing the attention of residents, most of whom have been victims of a gang that has been breaking into houses in the area and stealing property.

The residents pounced on the two suspects, setting them on fire.

"We are no longer secure here in Ngumba. Last week these people waylaid a lady who was dropping her kid to school and took away her phone and house keys. They threatened to stab her if she did not cooperate," one of the residents told Wananchi Reporting.

The suspects were also found with tens of master keys which residents believe may have been used to gain access to buildings and individual houses.

Police from Kasarani Police Station later came and picked the bodies of the two and ferried them to City Mortuary awaiting autopsy.

Ngumba is a tiny estate tucked between Garden City Mall and Kenya Breweries, and for a long time has enjoyed tranquility until lately when there have been cases of insecurity muggings and house break ins.

Residents believe that the crimes are being perpetrated by criminals crawling out of the neighbouring areas of Baba Dogo and Dandora.