On Sunday afternoon, a salon in Saika Estate, Kayole, was targeted in a brazen armed robbery that has left local residents and business owners worried about their safety.
A group of women from the Queen's Women Chama had gathered for their regular meeting at around 3 p.m. when two men entered the premises. Surveillance footage shows one of the men brandishing a pistol and demanding valuables while his accomplice stood guard at the entrance.
The gunman quickly collected cash contributions totaling Ksh50,000 and a Samsung mobile phone before fleeing on a motorcycle waiting outside. Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported during the incident.
Victims Lose Savings in Daylight Attack
Philis Kimani, one of the victims, described the shock as the man initially appeared to be a customer. She said the robbers specifically targeted the money collected during the meeting and personal phones.
“He pulled out the gun suddenly and ordered everyone to hand over their phones and money. We are appealing to the government for assistance as this was our chama's savings,” Kimani explained.
Rising Pattern of Daytime Robberies
Residents noted that this robbery is part of a worrying trend of daytime attacks in salons and shopping centers across Nairobi.
In a related incident, CCTV footage from the same salon shows the armed suspect assaulting a woman who tried to hide her phone before dragging her outside and escaping on a motorcycle.
Nearby, at Runda Shopping Centre, a family was robbed of over Ksh1.9 million after thieves reportedly followed them from a bank in Nairobi's Industrial Area. Police are also investigating a woman suspected of aiding the gang by monitoring the family’s movements.
Police Pursue Suspects
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched investigations into the Kayole salon robbery. They are following leads to identify and apprehend the two men captured in the surveillance footage.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations.
The recent spate of armed robberies has heightened calls for increased security measures in Nairobi and neighboring Kiambu County as law enforcement intensifies efforts to curb these criminal activities.
