Nakuru County Robbery Surge

In Nakuru County, a troubling surge in violent crime has gripped communities, as well-armed gangs carrying AK-47 rifles unleash a spree of robberies across various estates. Recent reports paint a grim picture: shopkeepers, traders, and bystanders face life-threatening attacks, with one incident claiming a man’s life and leaving another seriously injured. Standard Media+2Citizen Digital+2 Authorities say these criminals are highly organised, targeting M‑Pesa outlets and small businesses in areas such as Ngata, Pipeline, and Ndege Ndimu. Citizen Digital+2Standard Media+2
The escalating spiral of violence came into sharp focus when robbers ambushed a shop in Arap Chumo, held the attendant at gunpoint, and made off with about Sh 40,000. Standard Media During the same bloody operation, a Good Samaritan, Enock (or Enoch) Koech, who tried to intervene, was fatally shot after confronting the assailants. Standard Media+1 Witnesses say the robbery lasted nearly half an hour, with attackers intimidating the victim, demanding money, and ordering her to remain locked as they fled. Standard Media In other areas of the county, gunmen disguised in police uniforms and armed with heavy firearms have carried out similar heists — the brazen nature of the attacks has deepened fear in local communities. Standard Media
The public reaction has been a mixture of outrage and fear. Many residents blame the police for failing to prevent the rise of such bold criminal operations, calling for stronger action and greater accountability. Standard Media Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up efforts: anti-robbery units from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), including its Operation Action Team and Crime Research Bureau, have been deployed to Nakuru to dismantle these gangs. The Star
Looking forward, local law enforcement says it is doubling down on intelligence‑led operations to stop the violence. National Police Service+1 Police have already arrested a number of suspects and recovered an AK-47 rifle, which could be key in linking the gang to multiple crime scenes. National Police Service But for many in Nakuru, real peace will only come once the underlying networks behind these robberies are broken, and security restored to the fearful streets.