A shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing a machete-wielding gang on a motorcycle violently robbing a man in Kasarani, Kenya. The footage, which has gone viral, shows three men approaching the victim, two of them brandishing sharp machetes. The visibly shaken victim complies with their demands, handing over his phone and being pressured to transfer money through M-Pesa.
The attack occurred on a deserted road in the late night, just before midnight. As if to assert their dominance and willingness to use violence, one of the attackers struck the man with his machete, the blade catching the glint of a nearby security light. The entire ordeal unfolded in under a minute, with the three-man gang fleeing the scene on their getaway motorcycle.
The attack mirrors a wider pattern of panga-wielding robberies that have struck various parts of Kenya, from Nyeri to Mombasa. Kenyans on social media reacted with shock after the clip went viral, with many urging people travelling late at night to only use boda boda riders they personally know, or to rely on taxi-hailing apps for added security.
The video surfaces amid heightened concern over motorcycle-linked attacks, following the shooting of former Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were. Were was shot five times at close range while stuck in Nairobi traffic near City Mortuary. Two men on a motorcycle approached his vehicle, with one calmly walking up to his window before opening fire and disappearing into the night.
In February, a Kibera High Court heard how Were had been closely surveilled in Nairobi on April 30, 2025, in what prosecutors described as a coordinated operation involving his own bodyguard, a vehicle and a motorcycle, culminating in his fatal shooting later that night. The court was shown extensive CCTV footage obtained from Parliament, adjacent buildings, Wabera Street and Valley Road.
The footage reportedly showed the MP's vehicle being trailed by a white car and a motorcycle in the hours leading up to the killing. The incident has raised concerns over the use of motorcycles in violent crimes, with many calling for increased security measures to prevent such attacks.
The Kasarani attack has sparked a renewed debate on the safety of Kenyan citizens, particularly at night. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. The incident is under investigation, with police working to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Key points
- The attack in Kasarani is part of a wider pattern of panga-wielding robberies across Kenya.
- Motorcycle-linked attacks have become a growing concern in Kenya, with several high-profile incidents reported in recent months.
- Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
