Football fans returning home after watching late-night Club World Cup matches in Mlolongo have expressed growing fear over a surge in attacks by criminal gangs armed with machetes.
Thirty-eight-year-old George Sabario Motanya said he was attacked on the night of June 12 after watching a Club World Cup match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He said four assailants ambushed him as he waited for the gate to his home to be opened.
“They slashed me with machetes and left me bleeding. I lost seven teeth and have not returned to watch any Club World Cup matches since then. I need Sh71,000 for dental implants,” he said.
The incident was reported at Mlolongo Police Station.
Another resident, Joe Mutuku, said he suffered machete injuries to his arm on June 28 after watching a match between Croatia and Ghana. He said he narrowly escaped after screaming for help, which frightened off the attackers.
In a separate incident, a 24-year-old woman alleged that she was raped by the gang on the night of June 27 after she and her boyfriend were attacked while walking home. She claimed her boyfriend fled, leaving her behind as the attackers robbed her before sexually assaulting her.
She is currently receiving medical treatment and counselling.
Victims said the gang typically consists of four to five young men armed with machetes and other weapons. Some were reportedly wearing face masks, while others were dressed in jackets resembling those worn by police officers.
Mlolongo Ward Administrator Shedrack Mutei said crime has increased during the Club World Cup period because many matches are played late at night. He urged security agencies to intensify patrols to protect residents.
Athi River West Police Commander Anderson Mbae said investigations are ongoing and that security patrols have been strengthened to track down and arrest those responsible.
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