A daring phone theft along Ngong Road in Nairobi has sparked widespread public attention after the stolen device captured clear images of the two suspects before they escaped.
The incident occurred in the Jamhuri area, where two men riding a motorcycle allegedly targeted a pedestrian and snatched a Samsung A31 smartphone before speeding away.
Unbeknown to the suspects, the phone had already recorded their faces, leaving behind valuable evidence that could help investigators identify and arrest them.
Road safety advocacy group Sikika Road Safety shared the footage on its social media platforms, urging members of the public and the National Police Service to help identify the two men.
In its appeal, the organisation asked Kenyans to circulate the images widely, expressing hope that the suspects would soon be traced and brought to justice.
The footage quickly went viral, attracting thousands of reactions from Kenyans who expressed concern over the increasing number of phone-snatching incidents involving criminals using motorcycles.
Many social media users said they have become more cautious whenever motorcycles approach them while walking along busy streets.
Others shared personal experiences of surviving similar robbery attempts in different parts of Nairobi, saying the trend has become alarming.
One resident recalled narrowly escaping after suspected thieves attempted to grab a phone along Hospital Road near Kenyatta National Hospital, but failed because the device had already been placed inside a jacket pocket.
Police have appealed to anyone who recognises the suspects or has information that could assist investigations to report the matter to the nearest police station or contact the National Police Service.
The latest case comes just days after another phone theft was captured by CCTV cameras in Nairobi.
In that incident, a woman was seen chasing three suspects who allegedly stole her phone before escaping on a waiting motorcycle in broad daylight.
Despite efforts by residents and passers-by to pursue the suspects, they managed to flee.
The two incidents have renewed calls for stronger action against rising street crime and boda boda-assisted robberies in Nairobi.
Many Kenyans are now urging authorities to increase police patrols in crime-prone areas and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.