Business owners along Nairobi’s Kimathi Street are counting heavy losses after a gang of armed thugs allegedly broke into several shops and made away with goods on Sunday, August 24.
Witnesses said the group, some wearing masks, was first spotted outside Nanak House, opposite the Nation Centre. Armed with knives, the attackers were heard chanting in unison the slogan ‘Wantam’, a phrase currently trending as a taunt directed at President William Ruto.
After chanting slogans outside the shops, the individuals launched an attack on businesses, particularly those at Nanak House. This shopping centre hosts several clothing and cosmetics stores, and the attackers threatened traders with knives before stealing goods.
According to videos and photos seen by The Times, empty shelves, broken windows and scattered furniture inside and outside the premises showed the extent of the destruction caused by the attackers with irate business owners sharing their plight.
“I heard people outside singing ‘wantam’. And one of them came inside and strangled me while threatening me with a knife. They then entered inside with sacks, closed the door and took everything,” one trader said.
According to the business people in the area, there is a surge of similar criminal activities in the area, and despite efforts to report the incidents to the authorities, no action has been taken yet.
