One messiah maybe held up around old city (7)

I believe the answer is:

nairobi

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'city' is the definition.
(Nairobi is an example)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for nairobi that I've seen before include "I, a robin (anag) - city" , "Robinia strangely found in Kenya" , "City of Kenya" , "Kenyan city" , "Flat round object" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app

Connecting...