Three arrested over fatal stabbing of youth in Eastleigh

Three people have been arrested over the gruesome killing of a 17‑year‑old boy in Eastleigh’s Section Three area on Sunday March 29.

The killing has raised concerns among residents, reviving memories of the infamous Super Power gang, which caused mayhem in the area. Residents have called on the security officers to intensify measures to address rising crime in the area.

The gruesome killing was captured in a viral video, which showed a group of youth beating and stabbing their victim,—said to be a student at a local school—as he lay on the ground. The incident followed an altercation between what appeared to be two rival groups.

Despite repeated pleas from several women to spare the victim, the attackers continued their assault, even after he appeared lifeless.The victim is suspected to have sustained multiple stab wounds to his back and chest, which caused his death.

According to Nairobi police boss Isaa Mohamud, the assailants fled the scene, but three of them were later traced and arrested. Police are still investigating the motive behind the killing and are looking for other individuals captured in the video who are believed to have been part of the attack. The arrested individuals are expected to be arraigned in court.

Members of the public were urged to share any information with the police that may assist in identifying and locating the remaining suspects.

The victims’ body was later taken to the city mortuary.

The incident has renewed concerns over the increasing youth‑related crimes in Eastleigh, with residents calling on the police to act swiftly and rein in the gangs that are terrorizing residents.

The incident brought memories of Super Power, a notorious youth gang known for violent criminal activities, including mugging, robbery, and murder. The group, which operated in Eastleigh, comprised mainly teenage boys and young men from the area and individuals reportedly deported from the US and Europe who were involved in drug addiction and other crimes.

Super Power was involved in intense turf wars and clashes with other local gangs, among them Sitaki Kujua. Armed with knives and other crude weapons, the gangs often roamed in the area in groups, stabbing their victims, some of whom were attacked on their way to and from mosques.

Police ranked the Super Power among the top three most dangerous criminal gangs in 2016.

The gangs faced significant pressure from security agencies which suppressed their activities.