And then it was gone...

I have to admit, many times I’ve been telling people how long I’ve been staying in Nairobi, without ever being robbed or stolen from. I bit proud perhaps, that I’ve been able to avoid it. Thinking I’m not so naïve, and by now I have learned to read situations and avoid dangers.
But maybe it was just bound to happen, and at least it has taught me to always be alert.

Now I’m sitting here with a new phone, my old one has gotten a new owner, together with my wallet, cards and money. People are clever, and the wazungu girls might be slightly stupid and naïve.

Anyways, the story goes like this. I have just visited the ATM to withdraw some money, and top up the credit on my phone. I meet Solfrid and we board a matatu heading towards town. 4 other guys enter, one is limping. After being asked to help the poor limping guy, Solfrid moves further back in the matatu. The limping guy sits down next to me, the remaining guys place themselves strategically around in the vehicle, one seated next to Solfrid, in the backseat. Suddenly the guys start talking about the police further down the road, and are stressing putting on their seatbelts to avoid a fine. They shout to the wazungu girls, and say we have to put on ours as well. Of course the seatbelts are not working, and confusion rises. The matatu conductor is also very eager to make sure we are busy trying to put on the safety belt. Very helpful people, indeed..

They keep talking about wanting to avoid the police, and in a few seconds the 4 guys have jumped out of the matatu, and disappeared. I move back to Solfrid, saying “These guys, they are so afraid of the police..” Still trying to find a seat belt that is working, I suddenly notice that my purse is so light. I open the zipper, and nothing is left inside. Solfrid checks her purse as well, and the phone and some money have disappeared.

Those guys are clever..