Kibera’s Ngumo bridge: A hotspot for daylight muggings

A bridge in the heart of Kibera has gained notoriety as a crime hotspot, where brazen daylight muggings have become a daily ordeal for residents.

The Ngumo Bridge, which links Kibera’s Saba Saba area to the busy Ngumo Stage bus stop, has become synonymous with insecurity. For many, using it is a gamble, as gangs of young men lie in wait for unsuspecting pedestrians.

During a recent visit, groups of idle youths were seen loitering on and around the bridge. At 10 a.m., about eight men—some openly smoking what appeared to be marijuana—occupied the spot. By noon, others had replaced them, and by evening, their numbers had swelled to nearly a dozen.

Residents say the men are no ordinary bystanders. “These are thugs waiting for victims,” said Jared Omar, a local resident. He recounted how he was once surrounded while returning from a church vigil. “They stole everything, including my Sh1,500 and an expensive phone,” he said.

Locals have learned to adapt by never crossing alone. “If I’m by myself, I wait until I find others to walk with,” said Julie Ochieng, another resident. “I can’t risk being attacked again.”

What alarms residents most is that the attacks often happen in plain sight. Some allege that police officers stationed nearby have turned a blind eye. “The police must be colluding with the thugs,” claimed John, a resident. “Otherwise, how can this continue unchecked?”

Victims describe chilling encounters. One, identified only as Odhiambo, said he lost his Samsung phone, laptop, and cash to the gang. Since then, he avoids the bridge altogether. “I’d rather take a longer route than risk it,” he said.

Still, for those with no alternative route, the bridge remains unavoidable. For them, safety comes only in numbers.

As Ngumo Bridge continues to be a symbol of fear and lawlessness, residents are left questioning when, if ever, authorities will step in to restore order.