CNN journalist Larry Madowo has sparked fresh concerns after sharing photos of hooded, armed men patrolling Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during demonstrations on Monday.
The men, seen carrying pistols on their backs, were reportedly riding in a vehicle marked “Enirai Police Station,” a station that remains unknown to the public.
“Hooded men with guns were back on the streets of Nairobi yesterday, riding in a police car from a station I’ve never heard of,” Madowo tweeted, further fueling public anxiety.
Madowo’s photos have since gone viral, igniting fears among Kenyans already alarmed by the recent surge in abduction cases.
The presence of these mysterious individuals in the CBD, despite demonstrations primarily occurring in other parts of the country, has raised critical questions about their identity and purpose.
While the protests that gripped Kenya on Monday were concentrated in regions outside Nairobi, such as Kisumu and Mombasa, the sudden appearance of armed men in the capital has amplified unease among city residents.
Many have drawn parallels between these patrols and recent reports of abductions involving unidentified operatives.
The label “Enirai Police Station” on the car has particularly puzzled observers. No records or information exist about such a station, adding to the mystery surrounding the hooded men.
Calls for clarification have gone unanswered by authorities, leaving Kenyans to speculate whether these individuals are genuine law enforcement officers or part of a clandestine operation.
As public outcry grows, civil society organizations and human rights groups are urging the government to address the issue and provide answers about the unknown group.
In the meantime, Kenyans are left questioning the safety of their streets as fears of rising insecurity continue to mount.
