Police urged to deal firmly with 'organised gangs'

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdi Hassan yesterday issued stringent orders to police in the area to contain the surge in crime.

Mr Abdi instructed the police to firmly deal with criminals behind the spate of robberies and abductions that have become rampant in the county.

"Criminals operating in the county ought to know that their time is up," he said and attributed the deteriorating security to relocation of gangsters into the region.

"These are organised gangs that collude with individuals from other counties to terrorise residents. We shall not condone such acts," he added.

The commissioner, who spoke during this year's Mashuja Day celebrations at Sixty Four Stadium in Eldoret, also expressed concern over the large number of suspects that were being set free or given light sentences after being arraigned in court.

Ensure peace

Abdi said police will intensify patrols in estates in Eldoret town that have been targeted by the gangsters in the recent past.

He warned leaders against inciting residents against each other, and reiterated the need for residents to live harmoniously.

Area Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno said the county government will work closely with security agencies to ensure peace prevails in the county.

 "The Deputy President William Ruto recently handed over 14 vehicles to the police and we are upbeat that our officers and the security committee will use them to maintain law and order in the region," he added.

He urged residents to enrol under the Nyumba Kumi Initiative, adding that those who will fail to register with the authorities would be taken to court.