Nairobi, Kenya — Businesses along Kimathi Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District were thrown into chaos on Sunday, August 24, after a gang of masked youths armed with knives staged a brazen daylight robbery. The assailants stormed shops at Nanak House, directly opposite the Sarova Stanley Hotel, looting merchandise and leaving widespread destruction.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers approached chanting “wantam” — a popular protest slogan — before forcing their way into the shops. Traders described how the gang locked doors, smashed display windows, and stuffed goods into sacks. One shopkeeper recounted being strangled as a knife was held to his throat while the gang ransacked the premises. Images taken after the raid show shattered glass and overturned furniture, underscoring the ferocity of the assault.

A Growing Trend of Protest-Linked Looting

The Kimathi Street incident is the latest in a string of violent robberies coinciding with anti-government protests. Last month, criminals in Mukuru kwa Reuben looted electronics and stock worth an estimated KSh4.8 million, a raid that left dozens of workers unemployed. Traders say such incidents are no longer isolated and warn that organized gangs are exploiting the unrest to carry out targeted thefts under the guise of demonstrations.

Authorities Respond

Nairobi police confirmed investigations are underway and pledged to identify those behind the CBD robbery. Security officials suspect opportunistic gangs are blending into protest crowds to mount coordinated attacks. Despite repeated appeals, traders complain that visible police patrols in the CBD during protest days remain inadequate.

Business Community in Peril

For business owners, the economic toll is mounting. Loss of stock, damage to property, and an environment of fear threaten the survival of small traders already squeezed by high costs and reduced consumer traffic during unrest. “Every protest turns into a business nightmare,” one merchant lamented. “We need real protection, not promises.”

Broader Implications

The Kimathi Street robbery underscores the precarious security situation facing Nairobi’s commercial hub. Analysts warn that unchecked looting could erode investor confidence, deepen job losses, and worsen an already fragile economy. With protests showing no signs of abating, the incident has amplified calls for a stronger, proactive government response to safeguard livelihoods and restore confidence in the capital’s business environment.