A wave of looting and violence has gripped parts of Nairobi, with reports of widespread theft and attacks on civilians escalating throughout the day.
The unrest reportedly began at the Allsops Naivas supermarket, where police presence was urgently requested as young individuals, allegedly attendees of a meeting hosted by President William Ruto, unleashed chaos.
Eyewitnesses claim the group looted businesses, stabbed passersby with knives, and forced the shutdown of all commercial activities in the area.
The violence quickly spilt beyond Allsops, with thieves brazenly targeting commuters and private vehicles in broad daylight.
In one alarming incident, a bus full of passengers was attacked, and robbers stripped it of all valuables. Private cars have not been spared, with reports of smashed windows and stolen possessions adding to the growing panic.
Along Thika Road, the situation deteriorated further as unruly youths began snatching phones from unsuspecting pedestrians and motorists.
Witnesses expressed frustration at the apparent inaction of police officers, who were present but reportedly did little to intervene as the thefts unfolded.
“It’s complete lawlessness,” said a shop owner near Allsops Naivas, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
“They came from the president’s meeting and started attacking everyone. Businesses are closed, and people are running for their lives.”
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incidents, and the National Police Service has not confirmed the extent of injuries or arrests.
However, the violence has raised urgent questions about security in the capital and the circumstances surrounding the youth meeting linked to President Ruto.
Residents and business owners are calling for immediate police action to restore order as the city braces for potential further unrest.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, but the scale and audacity of the crimes have left Nairobians shaken.
