Security agents in Kirinyaga County have thwarted the resurgence of criminal gangs in the area.
The County Security Committee chaired by Kirinyaga County Commissioner (CC), Jim Njoka, also warned any Youths, especially those in the boda boda sector of dire consequences should they dare enlist themselves in such gangs.
The clique of marauding hooligans include the proscribed Mungiki and the Kutus based Wicaame, whose eight members have since been arrested and due to be arraigned in court soon.
According to the Security Committee, the boda boda operators have been given up to the end of this month to get registered.
“Anyone in boda boda sector who fails to get registered with the existing Saccos within their areas of operation will be deemed to belong to either of the two criminal gangs and will be dealt with ruthlessly in accordance with the laws,” the Administrator warned.
Njoka spoke to the media after chairing a Security Committee meeting at Wanguru Township within Mwea East Sub-county where the said gangs have been operating.
The CC said the gangs had deeply infiltrated the boda boda sector and were being supported by certain political hopefuls who wished to enlist their services to counter their (politicians) rivals come next year’s General Elections.
He said security officers who have been alert was able to nib the resurgence at the bud immediately the signs started to manifest within the community.
Njoka further said due to the prevailing Covid pandemic, area residents must ensure strict compliance of all the laid down rules by the government.
He warned bar owners who failed to comply with the health requirements risked having their business licenses canceled for good.
“So far we have closed down 53 bars in the county whose operators flouted the laid down Covid -19 restrictions while 2322 curfew breakers and those who fail to wear masks were arrested last month alone, “Njoka said.
Njoka further urged area residents to take personal initiatives to protect themselves against the pandemic by regularly washing their hands, sanitising, and wearing masks as guided by the Ministry of Health without having to be forced or compelled by anyone.
At the same time, Njoka has warned those involved in the banned gambling games, which has become rampant right in the homes and trading Centres.
He said so far security agents had impounded 23 such gambling machines, which he set on fire right in front of the local Sub-county Commissioner’s offices.
“By setting these machines on fire in broad daylight, is a clear message that whoever will be found operating them either in their homes or bars, will be subjected to dire consequences as a deterrent to this vice,” he cautioned.
Mwea has the highest daily economic turnover hence the escalating crime rate due to the increasing population density.
By Irungu Mwangi
