The recent cases of theft targeting homes in Syokimau and other surrounding areas is unsettling Nairobi’s retirees.
These are men and women who have opted to enjoy their sunset years near the capital city after toiling and moiling in Nairobi.
Robert*, a former government employee who reached the mandatory retirement age recently, told Wananchi Reporting that he feels more at home in Nairobi than in the village.
“Nairobi is my home, and I only travel to my village in Western Kenya occasionally, mostly if I need to attend a funeral, or if I need to check on my farm,” said the 69-year-old.
“Nairobi is where I have made friends and connections. I don’t want to die of boredom in the village,” he says with a distant smile.
He says that Nairobi has the tendency of keeping one on their toes – old or young.
The former Civil Servant is a front pew member of his church here in Syokimau – and even holds a leadership position.
The recent cases of insecurity in his neighbourhood takes away his radiant smile.
In the most recent incident, captured on CCTV, thugs were seen breaking into homes.
Reports indicate that they carted away laptops, camera, television, mobile phone, travel bags, blankets and laptop chargers.
Although there were no injuries or deaths reported – the incident has left many retiree families scratching their heads.
“I will have to invest in an electric fence and probably install a CCTV camera. I am not a dogs’ person, but it’s probably time I get one,” says Robert whose four children already moved out of the home – and are establishing their families in other parts of Nairobi.
Robert shares his giant compound with his retired wife and a helper.
“Most of my strength is gone now, I am no longer the young man I was 35 years ago. We can only hope the police will restore security in these neighbourhoods.
Sylvester Mukungu who resides in Kitengela was attacked by criminals in his home in 2018.
“The criminals climbed into the compound through the wall before entering the house at night as we were asleep,” says Mukungu who was hit on the head with a blunt object.
The thieves made a way with money and some household items.
Mukungu believes that some of the attacks could be sponsored by individuals looking to ‘buy’ land in the area.
“It’s possible some people would want to create an impression that an estate in unsafe to force panic selling at a cheaper price.
“The old and vulnerable retirees can easily decide to discard a prime piece of land cheaply just to move out of unsafe areas.”
“The same people who perpetrate crime are always waiting with ready money to buy the land cheaply, before reselling at very higher prices,” he says.
He agrees that many retirees are deciding to stick around the capital unlike before.
“Some of these retirees need proper and quality healthcare especially in their sunset years. This they know very well they cannot get in the village,” he says.
“Some of the retirees just want to be close to their children and grandchildren. They need family around them and that family is already in the capital.
“It’s not easy to start making friends in the village after sending 50 years in Nairobi. Also, some of these villages are interior and do not even have electricity or a proper road network. One needs to travel 10 kilometres to charge their phone,” says Mukungu.
Residents who spoke to Wananchi said that the areas have enjoyed relative calm, but recent incidents cause silent panic to homeowners.
They are now asking the county and the National government to enhance security in the area around Nairobi. BY CITIZEN DIGITAL