My broda,
About thugs, they have gotten terribly unpredictable and very petty. Once it was just banks with guns. When that became improbable,they lowered the mark; shops,supermarkets. Then they went to MPesa stalls, clubs and so forth. The point is, whatever ride you have, you are likely to be a victim.
My brother-in-law was nearly jacked at exactly 1846H while stuck in traffic in Ngara. His windows was down when four boys attacked one in one swoop hit the door lock and the next second 3 guys was inside his NZE (that's a very common Toyota sedan). He reacted super fast; he unbuckled the seatbelt and jumped out screaming. The boys jumped out and scattered. This is along Muranga Road coming to town opposite Fig Tree.
So,
1. Whenever you approach speeds of less than 60Kph, shut your windows to more than 70%
2. Always use the steering lock. Kenians are idiots. Most Japanese cars ship in with no alarm system, but they have the steering lock. That is ten times efficient at deterring vehicle theft than those stupid Chinese car alarms or even GPS tracking services. It takes at least 2 hours to dismantle a steering system once locked. Add another 1 hour of putting it back together. And ALWAYS keep your doors locked.
3. Because of pettiness I mentioned above, any ride is game but as a rule, European cars have less appeal because their demand is much less. Some Asian makes are equally unappealing. Mazda for instance. But I wouldn't deny myself Japanese fuel consumption efficiency just to dodge a bullet. Buy an OLD ride and you will be safe. Let's say we have registration numbers KCB XXXY. Go for a KAL-KBD.
4. For cops, just obey traffic rules and you will be safe. I take too many risks. If it is not 120KPH,it's too slow for me. Had an accident last month on 15th. My first. My ride skidded and nearly overturned. Funny bit is I was not speeding and it was uphill. It was raining heavily and the road was as slippery as an eel
4. Public parking is tricky. The safest are the commercial parking spots like National theatre,Nakumatt Lifestyle....if you MUST park publicly regularly, befriend a parking boy. Nowadays the gangs are gone. All I see are friendly Okoyus trying to earn a living. Small tips will do. Also the guards do a superb job. The other day I had double parked and my ride was nearly towed. They called me. Good Luhya and Kisii chaps.
Will share more tips after the church service
I can hardly wait. BTW which car can one buy which is unattractive to thugs and scares police away. At the same time won't cause me to be attacked at my gate. I plan to spend a year in the Fatherland. That means no internet because I don't want to be EJK'ed by The Uhuru Hit Squad