Senate Security Committee Probes Rising Crime in Eastleigh

Nairobi – The Senate Security Committee has received a petition calling on the Ministry of Interior to address the increasing incidents of crime, robberies, gang violence, and gender-based domestic violence in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, in a statement also addressed to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, expressed concern over the surge in insecurity within the area.

She described the criminal offences as an emerging threat to both macro and microeconomic growth of the commercial hub.

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu adresses the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations over increased criminal activities in Eastleigh. Photo/ Senate

Eastleigh boasts a vibrant 24-hour economy, driven by multi-billion-shilling wholesale and retail enterprises.

According to data from the Eastleigh Business Community and the Nairobi County Government, Eastleigh has the highest concentration of shopping malls in the country, with reports estimating the number at over 80.

Governor Johnson Sakaja, during a visit to the area in April, noted that Eastleigh contributes over 30 percent of Nairobi County’s annual revenue.

Last week, a special police squad was deployed to Eastleigh following a wave of violence, extortion, and gang activity reported in the neighborhood.

The squad comprises officers from the DCI headquarters. Others are from Nairobi Region and specialized police units. They are part of the National Police Service.

Crimes recorded in Eastleigh over the last one month involved extortion, robbery with violence, murder, theft, stabbing, and torture. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

Eastleigh residents have in recent months grappled with a surge in violent crimes, with families living in constant fear as gangs unleash a wave of brutality.

The area has seen an alarming rise in incidents such as stabbings, torture, and the chilling trend of abducting individuals for ransom.

This has left residents and the community in a state of anxiety and fear for their security.

The capital offenders are involved in extortion, robbery with violence, murder, theft, stabbing, and torture.

These offenders are identified as foreigners and returnees living in the neighborhood.

In the past month, five murders have been reported in the area and the special police squad has been assigned to solve the cases.

Four of the murders are linked to Hashim Dagane, an Ethiopian-Somali man.

Hashim Dagane is now in custody of authorities.

Hashim Dagane, a suspect connected to the murder of three women in Eastleigh was arrested by Security agencies. Photo/ Courtesy

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has connected him to the murder of three women in Eastleigh.

Mr. Dagane is suspected of killing a woman who went missing in California, Nairobi. Her body was later found at Lang’ata Cemetery.

Senator Nyamu said security is a critical pillar of Kenya’s national political development agenda.

She urged the Senate Security Committee to prioritize an inquiry into the rising insecurity in Nairobi County.

“The government must assess emerging patterns to identify the root causes of these criminal activities,” she said.

The Committee, chaired by West Pokot Senator William Cheptumo, now embark on evaluating measures implemented by security agencies to curb the escalating crime rates in Eastleigh.

Senator Nyamu also called on the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration to ensure that residents’ constitutional rights, as guaranteed under the Bill of Rights, are upheld.

“While addressing this issue, the Security Committee must detail the steps taken by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations deligently and hold those responsible accountable,” she said.

The Senate Security Committee will following the petition engage with the Executive and the National Police Service for answers. This is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in tackling violent crimes and apprehending offenders.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration will provide the Upper House with a comprehensive report on the issues raised by the Senator.

It will outline steps to strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure perpetrators are held accountable under the law.

The rising crime in Eastleigh has drawn national attention, with residents and businesses calling for immediate action to restore safety and order.

The neighborhood has consistently over the last ten years continued to attract investors mainly the Somali Diaspora to invest in the real estate industry.