Residents of the new administrative unit of Ithanga/Kakuzi Sub County in Murang’a want security agents to curb rising criminal activities in the area.
Speaking during a public baraza on Saturday the residents said they are living in fear of attacks by a gang who in the recent past has been behind incidents of theft and stabbing of people.
Residents especially from Ngelelia village complained they have lost some of their neighbours after they were attacked with knives by members of the gang and accused security agents of laxity apprehending the criminals.
Kennedy Irungu, one of the residents, claimed that he was attacked and stabbed by the gang in October but added that to date, no arrest has been made despite filing a report at the local police post.
“Police officers have been promising they will arrest people who attacked and left me nursing serious injuries but the promises have remained hot air,” Irungu said in the baraza which was chaired by local Deputy County Commissioner, Angela Makau.
He also expressed concern that his parents were brutally murdered way back in 2018 and his pursuit for justice in the matter has not been successful.
“Now that we have a new sub county, we humbly request security officers to conduct thorough investigations and arrest people who are attacking residents and stealing their property,” Irungu said.
A boda boda operator Simon Kariuki claimed that the residents fear giving information to police due to lack of confidentiality.
He argued that community policing would aid in fighting crime because the public fear being hunted down by the suspects after they give information to local police officers.
“We need community policing where information can be shared. We fear some officers may be colluding with the criminals to protect them as they perpetuate crime,” he added.
The residents appealed for the local police post to be upgraded to a station and more police officers be deployed to fight the insecurity.
The DCC promised that the sub county security team will beef up security and ensure people behind the criminal activities are apprehended.
Makau asked the residents not to fear sharing information which will assist in the investigations guaranteeing them confidentiality.
“Don’t fear to reach us. Be assured you will be protected and no one will expose your identity once you share information which will help us boost security,” said Makau adding that there are arrangements to have an office of criminal investigations in the sub county.
By Bernard Munyao
