Residents of Thogoto estate in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, are living in fear following a recent surge in violent attacks that has left several people injured and disrupted institutional activities in the area.
In just a few days, a series of brutal incidents have shaken the community: a 30-year-old man was found murdered by the roadside, a university student was violently attacked and robbed, and a lecturer narrowly survived a stabbing. The escalating insecurity prompted the University of Nairobi (UoN) Kikuyu campus to suspend in-person classes, shifting to online learning as a safety measure.
Attacks on Students and Staff
One of the victims, Sharon Jemutai, a student at UoN, is recovering at her home in Syokimau after being assaulted at night by unknown attackers in Thogoto. She was robbed of her phone and sustained serious injuries.
“As a student fraternity, we are frustrated. We are paying rent in this region and we are even paying taxes,” said Don Ochieng, a UoN student, reflecting widespread concern among students.
Lecturers have also been targeted. A lecturer was recently stabbed and is currently hospitalized, an incident that partly influenced the university’s decision to transition to online learning. Zinnorag Zainab, President of the UoN Kikuyu Campus Students Association, condemned the attacks, saying: “Our innocent lecturer has been stabbed. He is in hospital fighting for his life, yet leaders have done little to address the situation.”
Fatalities and Community Grief
The family of Gustavo Victor Karani, 30, mourns his death after he was brutally killed near Thogoto Hospital. Karani had reportedly escorted individuals involved in a dispute over a power bank before he was attacked. He was later found beaten to death. His mother, Pamela Lakena, recounted:
“He was beaten severely. We only received the news in the morning, and when we went to check, we found it was him.” Witnesses say he was last seen leaving a bar late at night, heading toward Thogoto Police Station.
Allegations of Security Lapses
Residents have criticised security agencies for failing to contain the wave of attacks. Hosea Maina Mutahi, a local resident, said:
“When we report at the station, officers appear reluctant to act. Insecurity has become rampant. Attackers use machetes, knives, clubs, and motorbikes. They strike quickly, stab victims, rob them, and escape.”
Community members and students are now calling for urgent security operations to restore order and ensure safety in Thogoto. The escalating violence has highlighted the need for stronger coordination between local authorities and law enforcement to protect residents and prevent further loss of life.
