Locals accuse police of laxity as armed robbers break into homes

Security officers have been accused of not responding to emergencies on time.

Residents raised the concern yesterday after an armed gang broke into more than five flats in Barnabas estate, where it terrorised and robbed occupants.

According to victims and private security operators in the area, it took police more than two hours to respond despite a police post being barely 500metres away from the estate. The gang took residents hostage for two hours.

Lee Lagat, a victim, said robbers armed with guns and crude weapons entered their block of flats at Kavandi around 9pm, moving from one house to another with ease. Mr Lagat said he heard a commotion outside his house, only to be confronted by the thugs who dragged him back inside and ordered him to give them valuables.

He said tenants informed their landlord, who informed police officers, who responded hours after the gang had left. "Two thugs were armed with guns while one was carrying a panga. We raised alarm but officers from Mwariki, which is located 500 metres away from the estate, responded two hours after the gang had left," said Lagat.

Rose Kanu, a victim, said the gang operated with ease and did not seem to be in a hurry. Joseph Kanyinge, a guard, sustained arm and leg injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital.

Nakuru County Police Commander Hassan Barua however denied the claims, saying police who were on patrol had responded immediately. He said police are investigating the incident.