Mike Sonko Raises Alarm Over Thugs Targeting Women in Nairobi CBD

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has raised concerns over rising insecurity in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

In a statement on Monday, September 1, Sonko said thugs armed with crude weapons have been stealing from unsuspecting members of the public.

The former Nairobi Governor noted that the thugs mainly target women in Nairobi CBD.

“Cases of thugs using crude weapons like knives, machetes, real and toy guns to steal from unsuspecting members of the public within the CBD have become rampant. Their main target is women,” said Sonko.

Sonko called on the National Police Service (NPS) to move with speed and take action on the suspects terrorizing members of the public in Nairobi CBD.

“As a former leader of Nairobi, I am humbly appealing to the National police service to move with speed and bring these culprits to book. Their days are numbered,” Sonko added.

The former county boss’s appeal comes after a woman narrated her encounter with suspected thugs along Kimathi Street.

In a video circulating online, the lady explained that she noticed a group of thugs trailing her before she quickly rushed to safety and requested an Uber, which enabled her to leave the CBD safely.

“I had not looked behind me; I was being followed. I was so shaken; I went to a loading bay and requested an Uber. I informed the Uber driver that I was being followed by some suspicious people and that I needed to pick up dinner before going. The Uber driver told me it has been happening for quite some time,” the lady narrated.

This comes a week after NPS responded to a recent media report highlighting alleged insecurity in Nairobi’s CBD after an attack targeting businesses at Nanak House.

In a statement on August 25, the NPS noted that the incident was initially portrayed as part of a growing trend of insecurity; however, the police have since determined the attack to be more targeted and specific in nature.

"Following a careful analysis of the incident that took place on Friday, 22nd August 2025, at Nanak House, detectives have ascertained certain facts. These point to a deliberate attack on four businesses within the said building, which appears to be linked to an internal dispute of a civil nature, a matter that is already before the court," the statement read.

NPS also confirmed that an individual has already been apprehended in connection with the case and reiterated its commitment to ensuring safety in the city centre and across the country.

"The National Police Service wishes to assure the public that Nairobi Central Business District remains one of the most secure areas in which to conduct business. Its status as a symbol of the capital city cannot be overemphasized,” NPS added.