A retired senior pickpocket has opened up about his criminal past, shedding light on the methods and earnings that once defined his life of crime.
Identified only as Moha, the Kenyan man took to YouTube's Edmac Media to recount his days as a notorious pickpocket in Nairobi's bustling CBD area.
Moha's story takes us on a journey from the gritty underworld of theft to a surprising path of redemption.
Once a matatu conductor, Moha's initial foray into pickpocketing was fueled by the promise of higher profits.
"A friend introduced me to pickpocketing by encouraging me to carry a five-litre jerrican to make his hand lighter. When I put my hand in your pocket, you won’t feel it," Moha revealed.
A fellow criminal taught him a crafty technique involving a five-liter jerrican that made his hand lighter, rendering victims oblivious to his actions.
Recalling his first successful heist – a Samsung S6 – he gleefully shared how the thrill of the criminal enterprise overshadowed his former life.
Moha's narrative uncovers the intricate workings of his criminal network.
Operating within a syndicate allowed him and his co-conspirators to strike with precision and efficiency, robbing unsuspecting victims without a trace.
He admitted to targeting matatu passengers and even collaborating with women involved in other illicit activities to maximize their haul.
However, the dark world of pickpocketing wasn't without its dangers. Moha encountered the harsh realities of his chosen path as he faced arrest on multiple occasions.
Twice, he was caught red-handed and faced mob justice, enduring severe beatings that left him in a coma for seven days.
His close encounters with violence and the law began to take a toll, even leading to strained relationships with his family.
Moha's tale takes a turn as he reflects on the consequences of his actions. The realization that the money he amassed was tainted haunted him, prompting a life-altering decision.
He decided to abandon his criminal ways and seek redemption.