It seems like every week brings forth a new video of someone walking into a shop and attempting to rob it – with innocent bystanders caught in the cross hairs. In Kenya the robbing is not only limited to businesses but also includes robbing from people in the streets in broad daylight or under the umbrella of the night on their side.
Surviving robbery has no manual or one size fits all to it. It’s a traumatic event that leaves victims bruised either physically or mentally or both. In the worst cases victims end up being killed in such a cruel manner. For students in Kenyan higher institutions of learning, one has to keep an eye over your shoulder as the grave probability of going home in a casket is high.
The number of student murders in the country has been on an inexplainable rise in the recent past. Many parents are being forced to live through the torturous experience of having to bury their young sons and daughters before they even had a chance to come into their own persons.
One of the main causes of student deaths happens to be as a result of robbery . This hints at the insecure status of our universities, both public and private alike.
In light of these facts and the brutal killing of Jkuat student Tabitha last night, it is important for every Kenyan student and citizen alike to be aware and take precautions to survive such an ordeal.
Gun to your head, here are some sure ways to survive getting robbed.
- Don’t try to fight/resist. If there’s a robbery, don’t try to be a hero. Cooperate! Your life is more precious than any material thing. Just remember: they’re probably just there to get money. Any resistance will just endanger your life further.
- If the thief has you cornered, comply and hand over anything he wants.
- Another good tip: Memorize as many details as possible about the suspect – what he’s wearing, how tall he is, what kind of car he’s driving. They could help police catch him before he strikes again.
- Try to walk in groups. This reduces your chances of getting targeted or attacked.
- Avoid dark alleys and NO GO zones. This is especially advisable at night. The dark always breeds darkness.
- If all else fails… If you think you have no other choice and you’re about to be killed, do whatever you can to distract the gunman/attacker: “Make a diversion and escape.”