Public frustration over insecurity in Nairobi is intensifying following yet another brazen daylight robbery that left motorists and pedestrians terrified along Nyerere Road.
The incident, which unfolded in the middle of the afternoon, saw a coordinated gang of criminals on motorbikes ambush road users. Witnesses described how at least eight motorbikes, some carrying up to four individuals, blocked vehicles and created chaos on the busy road. Panic quickly spread, with hawkers scrambling for safety and passengers left in tears as the attackers struck without hesitation.
For many Nairobians, this latest episode is a grim reminder of the city’s notorious nickname “Nairobery” a term that captures its growing reputation for crime and lawlessness. What was once considered a joke or exaggeration has now become a frightening reality for ordinary citizens who must navigate the city’s streets daily.
Over recent weeks, residents have repeatedly raised concerns about escalating insecurity. Armed groups riding motorbikes have been targeting motorists, pedestrians, and even business owners in broad daylight, turning busy roads into danger zones. The boldness of these attacks highlights the vulnerability of citizens and the urgent need for stronger security measures.
Social media has been flooded with testimonies from Nairobians sharing their own encounters with violent gangs. Many point out that even areas once thought to be relatively safe have become hotspots for robberies, with little visible progress in curbing the menace. The sense of helplessness is deepening, as citizens feel exposed no matter the time of day or the location.
What alarms many is that these incidents are no longer confined to isolated streets or dimly lit alleys. They are happening in broad daylight, on major roads, and in full view of dozens of people. This has fueled growing fears that if criminals can operate so openly, then no part of the city is truly secure.
The question now dominating public debate is simple yet urgent: if even Nairobi’s busiest roads are unsafe during the day, where can citizens expect to feel secure? Until visible and decisive action is taken, the sense of insecurity is likely to persist, leaving residents to cope with the daily uncertainty of living in “Nairobery.”
