Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has cautioned Nairobi residents against rising street theft trick being used by gangs to rob unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Mosiria explained how the gangs operate by creating panic and confusion, making it easy for them to steal valuables without raising immediate suspicion.
“There’s a trick some gangs use to steal from unsuspecting people, and many people don’t even notice until it’s too late. Hawa hujipanga kwa group, then suddenly they start shouting ‘mwizi! mwizi! thief! thief!’ while running towards your direction. To the public, it looks like they are chasing a criminal, but in reality, wewe ndio target,” Geoffrey Mosiria stated.
“They surround you very fast, create confusion, push you around kidogo, and within seconds wanakumalizia kila kitu phones, bags, wallets, equipment, everything is gone before anyone understands what just happened,” he added
Mosiria also revealed that a group of young creatives recently fell victim to the same trick.
He therefore urged Kenyans to be cautious and prioritise their safety when they encounter such situations.
