Teenager Dies in Gang Violence as Police Target Umoja Youth Gangs

A teenage student was killed in a violent assault last Friday in Umoja, Nairobi, in an attack police believe was carried out by members of a local youth gang.

Joshua Kitavi, a Form Three student at Matungulu Boys High School in Machakos County, died after being attacked by a group of minors linked to the gang known as “Mbogi.” According to family members, he had spent the afternoon at home preparing to return to school. He was later rushed to Radiant Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Mourners have continued to gather at the family’s residence in Umoja I, where a condolence book and a framed photograph of the 17-year-old have been placed at the entrance. His mother, Winfred Kitavi, was too distraught to speak to the media.

Police have attributed the fatal assault to Mbogi, one of several youth gangs operating in the eastern parts of Nairobi. 

Other groups identified by authorities include Chinje, Bad Bunny, and Silent. These gangs, made up mostly of boys aged 12 to 19, have been linked to a series of violent attacks, some of which have been recorded on mobile phones and shared on social media. The footage often shows teenagers armed with knives and machetes targeting other youths.

In response, Nairobi police have announced new restrictions aimed at curbing gang-related activity. Minors are now banned from loitering after 6pm, and gatherings of more than five youths are prohibited. Parents have been warned they will be held responsible for their children’s conduct under the new directives. “We have made progress. Parents must watch their children closely. No one will be spared in this crackdown,” said Nairobi County Police Commander George Sedah.

Fourteen minors, ten boys and four girls, have been arrested in connection with the investigation into Joshua’s death. The arrests were made in Umoja, Tena, and Kayole, neighbourhoods where youth gang activity has been on the rise. Police say a key suspect, known only as “Carlos,” is still at large, and they have called on his family to assist in bringing him in.