Kenya is a beautiful land. I say this with much joy because our diversitiness is what keeps us going. Have you ever mistakenly found yourself in a carjacking ordeal? You guy, count your blessings. It’s is scary and life threatening. I think living in a third world country should be considered as one of the greatest achievements of all time.
Recently, I boarded a matatu from Donholm area and as every other Kenyan, I was headed for town. The only distinctive thing about this area is that people were orderly, like we make a line as we wait for a Double M to pick us up.
Few Minutes of waiting and the bus arrives and off we head for town. You see when something evil is happening you are never prepared. The bus was calm, we were all minding our business, paid our fare as it was expected. Getting to Jogoo road, thugs suddenly flaunted pistols.
I am not even lying; we were not ready! All along we were with thugs in the bus and they forced us to lie down and take our wallets and phones out. That should be a story for another day. However here are a few pointers to help you if ever you get caught in a carjacking;
Cooperate
If it ever happened to you, it’ important to remember that this people do not have enough time, they want to pick whatever they have with the shortest time possible. I realized when the thugs stood up most of us were panicking you honestly don’t know what to do, you’re uncertain whether it is actually happening or you are imaging things. Stay still, you cannot bargain your life for a phone can you?
Don’t Panic
As previously stated, when you panic, you’re likely to be in more trouble. Try taking deep breaths and stay still. Panicking won’t make the thugs go away or make then hasten their process. Avoid resisting, relax and wait for the next cause of action, if they request you hand them money, do so before they force their way to your bag.
Don’t Scream or Draw Attention
If there’s a thing I learnt from the carjacking. Just get a hold of yourself. If the police are not nearby, there’s nothing much you can do really. The thugs are not stupid, they have done their calculations, they know when to unleash their wrath, don’t interfere, unless you are sure you can take them down single handedly.
Be Ready to Let go of your Things
It is better not to resist in a carjacking situation to avoid putting your life in danger. If they are asking for money or your phone, even your bag, just hand it to them.
In the face of threats and violence, it is advisable to let the perpetrator do the wrong thing. Keeping calm and memorizing all the details are the best ways to facilitate law enforcement investigations.
Be Keen on what’s Going on to aid Investigations
The thugs will not take the entire day robbing things off, but master everything they are doing, from their orders until they alight. The information would help the police through their investigation.