“You Become a Target”: Mathare Resident Warns Against Wearing Silver Jewellery Amid Criminal Profiling Concerns

Mathare resident Chaplin Donga explains the dangers of wearing silver jewellery and how it leads to criminal profiling. Read about the 'ghetto code' and safety risks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 6:33 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from TUKO

The High Cost of Style in Informal Settlements

In a viral interview that has gripped Kenyan social media, Chaplin Donga, a resident of the Mathare informal settlement, has detailed the hidden risks of wearing silver jewellery in certain Nairobi neighbourhoods. Donga argues that in the "ghetto," fashion choices are rarely seen as mere personal expression; instead, they are often interpreted through a lens of criminal profiling. According to Donga, wearing silver chains, expensive-looking watches, or having silver-capped teeth can instantly mark a young man as a "prime suspect" in the eyes of his neighbours, parents, and law enforcement.

Criminal Profiling and the "Suspect" Label

The core of Donga's warning lies in the deep-seated stereotypes that equate flashy accessories with the proceeds of crime. He explains that in an environment where poverty is prevalent, anyone seen with silver or gold is often assumed to be a thief. "In this neighbourhood, you have to have a connection with the police to wear jewellery," Donga lamented. He further noted that once a resident is labeled a suspect, it becomes nearly impossible to convince even close family members otherwise. This social profiling often leads to increased scrutiny, with people suspiciously tracking the routes and work habits of those who choose to wear such items.

Physical Safety and Residential Ambush

Beyond social stigma, the threat of physical violence is a primary concern. Donga revealed that wearing silver jewellery makes individuals "targets" for both rival gangs and aggressive policing. He shared that residents with silver teeth are often the first to be rounded up or ambushed at their own residences whenever a robbery occurs in the vicinity. The perception of being "dangerous to society" is automatic, creating a constant state of insecurity for those who do not conform to the expected aesthetic of the neighbourhood.