The incident happened along Moi Avenue, an area known for its heavy foot traffic, shops, and offices.
According to early details gathered by our newsroom, the story appears to mirror incidents recently highlighted by our publication, which has repeatedly reported on rising cases of robbery involving people withdrawing cash from banks.
According to early details gathered by our newsroom, the story appears to mirror incidents recently highlighted by our publication, which has repeatedly reported on rising cases of robbery involving people withdrawing cash from banks.
Several major outlets have since picked up similar stories, drawing inspiration from our earlier coverage of insecurity trends in the CBD.
On Tuesday, a man who works with a well-known public transport Sacco had just withdrawn money from a bank on Kimathi Street.
On Tuesday, a man who works with a well-known public transport Sacco had just withdrawn money from a bank on Kimathi Street.
He was carrying the cash in an envelope and was walking through Kimathi Lane when a group of eight men approached him.
The victim told police that the men strangled him from behind and grabbed the envelope before attempting to escape.
The victim told police that the men strangled him from behind and grabbed the envelope before attempting to escape.
His screams attracted the attention of people nearby, causing confusion as crowds tried to understand what was happening.
What the gang did not know was that plainclothes officers from the Nairobi Central Police Station were already monitoring the area.
What the gang did not know was that plainclothes officers from the Nairobi Central Police Station were already monitoring the area.
The officers had reportedly noticed the group earlier in the day and believed they might be planning to target someone leaving a bank.
When the suspects realised the police were closing in, they attempted to flee in different directions.
When the suspects realised the police were closing in, they attempted to flee in different directions.
Some are said to have pulled out knives and tried to scare the officers away. In response, the officers opened fire, killing two suspects instantly.
Six others managed to run off into nearby streets, disappearing into the busy evening crowds. They escaped with about Ksh300,000, the amount the victim had withdrawn for office use.
Police officers collected three knives at the scene, along with mobile phones and several keys suspected to belong to victims of previous robberies.
For traders operating along Kimathi Lane and Moi Avenue, the sound of gunfire brought everything to a standstill.
Six others managed to run off into nearby streets, disappearing into the busy evening crowds. They escaped with about Ksh300,000, the amount the victim had withdrawn for office use.
Police officers collected three knives at the scene, along with mobile phones and several keys suspected to belong to victims of previous robberies.
For traders operating along Kimathi Lane and Moi Avenue, the sound of gunfire brought everything to a standstill.
Many shop owners said they initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers or a vehicle backfiring, only to realise the situation was serious when people started running.
Some traders temporarily closed their stalls as a safety precaution. Others said the incident reminded them of recent cases where robbers attacked people carrying handbags, phones, or small bags that seemed to contain money.
Tuesday’s incident adds to a pattern Nairobi residents have raised concerns about in recent weeks.
Some traders temporarily closed their stalls as a safety precaution. Others said the incident reminded them of recent cases where robbers attacked people carrying handbags, phones, or small bags that seemed to contain money.
Tuesday’s incident adds to a pattern Nairobi residents have raised concerns about in recent weeks.
There have been several reports of gangs targeting bank customers, especially those walking alone or carrying envelopes.
A similar case was reported in mid-November, when another man was attacked shortly after leaving a bank along the same corridor.
A similar case was reported in mid-November, when another man was attacked shortly after leaving a bank along the same corridor.
Residents and business owners believe the attackers are part of a wider network that studies victims before striking.
Police have promised to increase patrols around major banking areas in the CBD. Officers say some gangs operate in groups of four to eight and take advantage of crowded places where it is easy to disappear quickly.
Police have promised to increase patrols around major banking areas in the CBD. Officers say some gangs operate in groups of four to eight and take advantage of crowded places where it is easy to disappear quickly.
Security experts and local leaders have repeatedly warned that growing crime in Nairobi could affect businesses and discourage investment.
Many residents say they no longer feel safe walking alone with valuables, especially in the evening.
Despite these concerns, police say they are making progress in identifying the groups responsible. Investigations are underway to trace the remaining six suspects who fled with the stolen money.
Despite these concerns, police say they are making progress in identifying the groups responsible. Investigations are underway to trace the remaining six suspects who fled with the stolen money.
