Timeline of robbery incidents during Ruto tour of Mathare
Chaotic scenes in Mathare during President William Ruto's visit on March 11, 2025.
On March 11, 2025, as president William Ruto embarked on a development tour in Nairobi’s Mathare area, a wave of organised robbery incidents was witnessed on Thika Road, in Mathare area and its environs.
The gang attacks, which seemed coordinated, were said to have operated on Thika Road, Juja Road and Outering Road where President Ruto's convoy had passed - with multiple groups carrying out theft and vandalism within a short time frame.
Using social media videos, the Nation mapped an approximate timeline of the events.
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1:00 PM – Initial Reports and First Video Uploads
The first videos surface on X, showing gangs moving around the shops and dwellings of Mathare.
1:05 PM – Escalation of Violence
Additional footage shows thugs targeting private vehicles, smashing windows and forcibly removing valuables.
Motorists attempt to flee the scene caused further traffic congestion, worsening the situation.
1:08 PM – Attacks along Thika Road
Social media videos indicate that the robberies have spread to sections of Thika Road, particularly near the GSU Headquarters.
Some gangs strategically position themselves at major intersections to block escape routes for their targets.
1:12 PM – Large-Scale Looting Begins
Multiple videos captured shops along Juja Road being broken into as looters rushed to grab items.
Supermarkets and small business owners appear to close down their premises.
1:18 PM – Motorists take pre - caution
Vehicles along Thika Road were seen making U-turns to avoid the violent hotspots.
1:30 PM – Decline in Activity as Gangs Disperse
A significant number of civilians are seen making their way into Mathare as the violence slows down.