Assault and robbery are traumatic and fast. Knowing the difference and what to do can protect your body, your rights, and your peace of mind. This page gives simple, real-world steps you can use right away — before, during, and after an incident.
Assault usually means someone threatens or uses force against you. Robbery is taking something from you while using force or threat. The legal outcome and police response can differ, so identifying what happened helps when you report it and get help.
Example: if someone pushes you and punches you without taking your phone, that’s assault. If they grab your phone while threatening you, that’s robbery. Both are crimes and both should be reported.
Stay calm and keep your distance if you can. Hands up, slow movements, and a clear voice can reduce escalation: say what the attacker wants and hand it over. Your belongings can be replaced — your life can’t. If escape is possible and safe, move to a populated, well-lit area and shout for help.
Don’t try to be a hero. Intervening can make things worse for you and bystanders. If you’re with others, get everyone to leave the area. If you can, note details—clothes, height, direction of escape—without chasing the attacker.
If you witness an assault or robbery, call emergency services immediately. Be a safe witness: keep distance, use your phone to call, and when safe, give police a clear description. If recording, do so from a safe spot and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.
After the incident, put safety first. Seek medical attention even for minor injuries. Medical records help document the attack.
Report the crime to police as soon as possible. Give them facts: time, place, descriptions, and any CCTV or witness names. Ask for a copy of the police report — you’ll need it for insurance or legal steps.
Protect evidence: keep clothes, phones, messages, and photos safe. Avoid washing or discarding items that might help investigators. Write down your memory of events while it’s fresh.
Get emotional support. Assault and robbery leave psychological wounds. Reach out to trusted friends, local victim support groups, or a counsellor. Many NGOs and police stations can point you to free services.
Practical prevention tips: travel in groups at night, stay in well-lit routes, keep valuables out of sight, use secure wallets and phone locks, and learn the safe layout of places you visit regularly. At home, improve locks, lights, and consider a neighbourhood watch or app alerts.
If you need legal help, ask police for referrals or contact a local legal aid service. Keep records of calls, medical visits, and any expenses related to the crime.
Assault and robbery shake you up, but clear steps—get safe, get help, and document—help you recover and find justice. If you want, we can list local support contacts or provide a checklist you can save to your phone.
Ian Njoroge, accused of assaulting and robbing a traffic police officer on Kamiti Road, has been granted a bond of Ksh700,000 by Senior Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhumbi. Njoroge faces multiple charges including causing actual bodily harm, robbery with violence, and resisting arrest. He was also arraigned for causing obstruction and overloading passengers.
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