Nairobi Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has raised an alarm over rising cases of petty but highly disruptive crime in Nairobi CBD, following a disturbing incident where a motorist lost a car spare part while stuck in traffic.

In a statement shared via his Instagram page on Friday, May 15, 2026, Mosiria said he personally witnessed the incident and described it as part of a worrying pattern that is becoming too familiar for city commuters.

“Yesterday night, I witnessed a very unfortunate incident in Nairobi CBD where a motorist was robbed of a car spare part while stuck in traffic. A group of thieves stormed the vehicle, forcefully removed the spare part, and fled the scene within minutes. Sadly, such criminal acts have now become increasingly common in Nairobi,” he stated.

The incident has sparked public frustration, with many Nairobi residents saying the CBD is slowly turning into a place where even stationary cars are not safe. Motorists say the thieves appear to know exactly what they are looking for, and they strike quickly, almost like they are on a schedule.

“I was stuck near Tom Mboya Street and I just saw people running to a car, removing something underneath and disappearing. By the time the driver came out, they were gone. It happens so fast you can’t even react,” one motorist said.

A growing number of complaints have particularly come from owners of Toyota Harrier vehicles, who say they have become frequent targets of spare part theft in traffic jams and parking spots around the city. Many say they now drive with constant anxiety, especially during peak hours.

“I own a Harrier and honestly every time I get stuck in CBD traffic I feel stressed. People keep warning us that certain parts are being targeted. You cannot even relax in traffic anymore, you are just watching your mirrors and surroundings,” another motorist lamented.

In response to the growing concern, Mosiria assured residents that authorities are stepping up action to restore order and safety within the city centre.

“The Nairobi County Government, working closely with the National Police Service, will intensify security operations within the CBD and other affected areas to ensure the safety of motorists and residents. We are committed to strengthening enforcement measures, increasing patrols, enhancing surveillance, and ensuring that all culprits involved in these criminal activities are swiftly arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.