Thugs on motorbike targeting pedestrians along Mombasa Road

Muggings orchestrated by men on boda boda are slowly becoming a common thing along this deserted stretch on Mombasa Road.

According to residents, criminals have turned the stretch starting from the Mombasa Road - Southern Bypass interchange, and down to the spot where Enterprise road touches Mombasa road, into a ‘hunting ground’.

Many cases of muggings are said to happen late in the evening, or at night, when there are very few people walking on the stretch.

Some of the theft cases have happened at the bus stops dotting the road, and many people have fallen victim. Sadly, many cases often go unreported to the police.

Residents claims that the incidences have increased ever since the dichotomy of the road was improved – significantly reducing crossing points – thus confining pedestrians to one single stretch – with no ‘escape routes’ in case of an attack.

It’s fairly a long stretch, often used by residents of Imara Daima, Pipeline, and general Embakasi area. Or used by people waiting to board public service vehicles heading towards the general direction of  Kitengela, Athi River, Machakos, Syokimau or Mlolongo.

The area has countable bus stop points, but with near non-existent walkways, making it difficult for the pedestrians to walk freely.

“It’s like a long tunnel with no escape route, because large sections of the road have been blocked by a continuous chain of wire mesh erected to control pedestrians from crossing at any point,” said Robert Odhiambo who works along Mombasa Road.

According to Robert, pedestrians are forced to walk for long distances to access the many offices lining the busy highway – in the process making them a soft target.

“The roads are largely deserted these days, even during the day. It gets worse at night, especially for workers who have to wait to catch public transport home,” says Odhiambo.

Just recently, Paul Karanja, who had just attended an event at a famous hotel along Mombasa Road, he was shocked to realise that people were waiting for matatus in small groups – away from the designated bus stop booth, around 9pm.  

“I remember one person warned me not to fiddle with my phone, and advised me to keep it away. He told me that people get robbed while waiting to catch a ride home,” said Karanja.

An enclosed bus stop stood only a few metres from the hotel’s entry point. It was deserted – as pedestrians conveniently resorted to waiting for matatus in an open place.

“These thieves will come on a motorbike, stop, and demand that you give them your wallet, purse, phone or laptop. They come wielding a gun, or something, rob you and speed off as if nothing has happened once they have robbed you,” said Robert.

Adding that: “You cannot run, wail or call for help because you are so exposed. They can do whatever they want.”

Of late, there have been rising cases of theft orchestrated by boda boda riders; most of which have been caught on video.

While these will grab and flee, those on Mombasa Road are rather meticulous, and calm.

“They will come to you, stop their motorbike as if asking for direction, engage you in small talk, then demand that you hand over your valuables. It happens fast, almost like a business transaction,” says Robert – adding that it’s hard top notice that someone is being robbed.

There are concerns that boda boda businesses have been infiltrated by criminal elements, who are using motorbikes as a getaway tool after committing crime.

According to a report by the National Crime Research Centre, on boda boda motorcycle transport and security challenges in Kenya, robbery and robbery with violence accounted for (52.9%) of the most prevalent crimes committed by people riding boda boda.

Residents want police to heighten patrols along the highway to help combat the crime.