Outcry over insecurity Difathas

Kerugoya,

Tuesday, January 2, 2024,

KNA by Mutai Kipngetich

The leadership and the business community in Difathas Town are in arms over the state of security in Murinduko ward in Mwea East Sub-County, of Kirinyaga County.

Residents want officers manning the Difathas Administration Police Post redeployment elsewhere claiming that they had miserably failed in their duty to guarantee the security of the dwellers.

Led by Murinduko Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Charles Nyamu, who registered their displeasure with the performance of the officers and demanded they be moved immediately to give room to others committed to work in the area. 

He said there was a widespread outcry because the officers were releasing suspected burglars and thieves with impunity immediately after their arrests under unclear circumstances raising queries over their commitment to fight crime in the area.

Nyamu however commended the business community for their patience in restraining themselves and not taking matters into their own hands when they handed over the now-freed suspects to the police after they reportedly broke into a shop. 

He questioned the rationale the officers used to release the suspects without due legal process claiming that the trend was common at the post even when culprits were caught red-handed.

Nyamu called for the transfer of investigation officers warning that the confidence of the public with the force was waning expressing fears that angry mobs may in the future resort to lynching of suspects. 

Irene Wangeci, one of the aggrieved victims, said she received a call at midnight over theft in her shop and she found the main door broken, gas cylinders, sugar, rice, and edible oils were missing. She noted they informed the police but nothing has been done. Japhet Murimi, a resident of Difathas, said the police officers should be transferred as they are used to small bribes and working together with criminals to frustrate business people.

Wanjiru, a businesswoman, said the police arrived late and made no effort to start an investigation. She called upon the government to reinforce before they take the law into their own hands.

Courtesy; KNA