On Wednesday, February 19, Kerugoya Central Member of Parliament, Gachoki Gitari, led a group of angry residents from Kerugoya, Kirinyaga, in a protest at the Kerugoya Police Station. The residents were demanding action to address the increasing insecurity in the area.
Gitari, along with his constituents, voiced their concerns about the law enforcement officers, accusing them of being ineffective in dealing with crime.
One of the main issues raised was the release of criminals from custody under unclear circumstances, which the residents believe has played a significant role in the rising insecurity.
The MP highlighted a tragic incident that had occurred in the Kithingo area, where a 13-year-old Grade Seven student was brutally murdered.
Despite the fact that the suspect is known, they are still at large over a month later. Gitari questioned, “We always hear about the long arm of the law. Has the arm of the law become shorter in Kirinyaga Central?”
The residents who joined the MP in the protest also shared their personal experiences with crime, calling on the police to take more action.
One resident shared their frustration, saying, “We are suffering. I have been robbed, and the criminals who attacked me are still free. I want the police to do something about this now.”
Although the protest was intense, the police were able to calm the situation. The residents, though upset, remained peaceful throughout the demonstration. In response to the growing insecurity, the police introduced new measures to try to reduce crime in the region.
Kirinyaga County Commander Andrew Naibei announced that all activities in the region would have to be shut down by 11:00 pm to allow the authorities to focus on tackling crime effectively.
He also appealed to the residents to avoid taking matters into their own hands and instead allow for proper investigations into the ongoing cases.
This recent protest follows another incident just a month ago when thousands of residents stormed Chemase Police Station looking for a murder suspect.
Armed with crude weapons, the angry mob clashed with police officers, injuring them and causing damage. The mob set a police vehicle on fire and looted property after overpowering the officers.
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