The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, has promised that the government will deploy more than 40 police officers in Samia Sub County.
Speaking during the official launch of Samia Police Station, Bukiri Patrol Base, and Muduru Police Post in Samia, Lagat said that the officers will serve the locals within the three institutions that were commissioned on Friday.
“I am aware that you do not have a vehicle, and I promise that one vehicle will be availed to Ganga Police Station on Tuesday next week,” he said, adding that the move is expected to reduce criminal activities in the area.
He noted that the major crimes that are rampant in the area included drug abuse, illicit brews, and consumption of second-generation alcohol.
“I want to urge the National Government Officers, village elders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands in the fight against second-generation alcohol and bhang,” he said, adding that consumption of such substances is illegal and punishable by law.
The DIG urged parents and guardians to advise their children of the dangers of consuming bhang and illicit brews, adding that they can lead to an increase in other criminal activities.
“We have decided that we are not going to bend anything towards the protection of our ladies, women, and children,” he said.
Lagat at the same time called for cooperation between members of the public and security officers, adding that they should volunteer relevant information to the officers.
“As we move into Christmas festivities, I want to urge all the members of this place to moderate their activities,’ he said, adding that past records show that criminal activities increase during such times.
Funyula Member of Parliament Oundo Mudenyo said that the area has been prone to insecurity, including burglary, theft, murder cases, rape, and child abuse.
“This is the reason why we decided to establish these three intuitions closer to the local residents,” he said.
Mudenyo added that there are other areas within the constituency, like Malanga Bordering Siaya County, that require a police station.
“We will make efforts to establish a police patrol base in the area after carrying out a public participation,” he said, adding that there was a need to renovate some existing facilities, like the Ganjala Patrol Base.
He further requested the DIG to ensure that two gender desks are established in all police stations to serve the two genders.
“We are asking the judicial officers to hand hefty bail terms to perpetrators of Gender Based Violence so that they do not have chances to go home and threaten victims and witnesses,” he said.
The lawmaker further urged parents to take care of their children during the Christmas holidays so that they do not engage in criminal and dangerous activities.
“We have organised various sporting and cultural activities throughout the season to ensure that our youth and children are engaged,” he said, advising youth to refrain from being idle.
Mudenyo also advised the locals to refrain from disco matanga and religious leaders to avoid loud overnight prayers.
Members of the community lauded the MP and the government for establishing the three security stations, expressing confidence that it will bring peace and development in the area.
By Salome Alwanda
