Nyeri County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi has assured residents of their safety and security during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
While conveying his Christmas message, Mwiwawi said that the county security team has put in place adequate measures to ensure that the county remains peaceful for both residents and visitors during the festivities.
He said that the county has adopted a multi-approach in safeguarding the lives and property of residents where in addition to the security officers who were recalled from their leave a fortnight ago, they will also be engaging officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Prison warders, Kenya Forest Service officers and National Government Administrative Officers to further enhance the security situation.
“I would like to assure Nyeri residents and those who will be visiting the county of their security. We have put in place measures to ensure that they will receive enough protection and their property is safe. We have adequate personnel and we are also working with the NGAO officers to ensure that the county remains safe,” stated Mwiwawi.
The Commissioner has at the same time asked residents to work together with the security agents to stem the emergence of petty robbery in the county. He decried that the theft of livestock and foodstuff is on the rise adding that the victims risked losing their livelihoods if the trend takes root. Mwiwawi is now urging the residents to volunteer information which will aid the law enforcement officers in the arrest of the culprits.
“We have discovered cases of livestock theft especially goats and sheep is on the rise. There are also an emerging trend where the thieves are also stealing foodstuffs. I would like to appeal to members of the public to work closely with the Nyumba Kumi to identify these petty thieves and relay that information to the chiefs the police so that quick action can be taken,” he said.
Mwiwawi has also appealed to members the public to thoroughly vet Bodaboda riders following the spate of daylight robberies by criminals posing as Bodaboda operators. The criminals are said to be targeting unsuspecting pedestrians near roundabouts, road interchanges and deserted roads. After identifying their targets, the criminals slow down at such strategic points and snatch whatever they can from the person then speed away.
The commissioner asked the residents to refrain from hailing random riders but instead seek services at bodaboda designated sheds. To curb the threat, he said he is working with the leaders of the Bodaboda operators to come up with a unique identifier for their members. The identifier will reveal whether the operator is registered with an association, their mobile number, their photograph and their designated pick up and drop off point something that he said will aid law enforcement officers in holding the operators accountable should an incident occur.
“In due course we shall be informing members of the public on what to look out for before engaging a boda boda rider for their services. I am also appealing to members of the public to be very careful about when boarding a motorbike. They should secure their valuables and avoid exposing themselves as an easy target to the criminals,” he said.
On curbing the sale of illicit and substandard alcohol during the festivities, Mwiwawi said that only licensed liquor outlets will be allowed to operate in the county. Further, he said that surveillance had been heightened in the eight sub-counties during the holiday season to prevent the proliferation and the sale of substandard alcohol to unsuspecting revelers.
While urging residents to be cautious about what they consume especially during this festive season, the CC said that the fight against illicit and substandard alcohol will only be won when consumers and other players in the sector work together.
“I would like to send a stern warning to unscrupulous liquor sellers that we are vigilant and your days are numbered. We shall not allow the sale or consumption of illicit brew in this county,” he said.
“I also urge the consumers to be careful and take care of their health. If you realize that the alcohol doesn’t meet the health and safety standards, do not proceed to indulge because it important to be mindful of your health so together, we are able to prevent death from illicit brew or substandard liquor,” he said.
By Wangari Mwangi and Samuel Maina
