Residents of Nairobi have raised urgent calls for government intervention after a brazen armed robbery at a salon in Saika estate went viral, intensifying worries over the surge in violent crimes across the city.

The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred on Sunday, July 26, at around 3 pm during a meeting of the Queen’s Women Chama held at the salon. Two armed men entered the premises, with one brandishing a pistol and demanding mobile phones and cash from the women present.

The footage shows the gunman ordering the women to "Nyamaza kaa chini" (shut up, sit down) before instructing them to hand over their phones. The second suspect, wearing a helmet, fled as the situation escalated, while some women, including one carrying a child, escaped the scene.

Though the authenticity of the video and full details of the event remain unverified, the incident has sparked widespread online debate. Many users expressed shock, noting Saika's reputation as a relatively secure neighborhood.

Public Outcry and Security Concerns

  • Calls have intensified for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and National Police Service (NPS) to investigate and address the growing threat of armed robberies.
  • Residents highlighted the increasing use of motorcycles by criminals to quickly escape crime scenes in areas such as Kayole, Njiru, and Maili Saba.
  • There is growing alarm over the proliferation of illegal firearms fueling violent crime in Nairobi.
  • Many fear that routine activities like visiting salons, shops, or markets are becoming unsafe due to the rise in armed incidents.

Similar Incidents and Police Response

The Saika robbery bears resemblance to a July 4 attack at Chaiiwali Café along General Mathenge Road in Westlands/Parklands, where four armed men on motorcycles robbed customers, stealing mobile phones and a laptop within a minute before fleeing.

Following that event, police investigations led to several arrests, and on July 13, a key suspect was fatally shot in Joska after resisting arrest with gunfire.

Community Demands

Citizens urge security agencies to:

  • Strengthen efforts to dismantle criminal gangs and recover illegal weapons.
  • Enhance rapid response to armed robberies and public safety threats.
  • Restore confidence that public spaces are safe for everyday activities.

One resident stressed, "No Kenyan should have to wonder whether walking into a salon, shop or business could end with a gun pointed at them." The incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to restore security and public confidence across Nairobi.