By CYRUS OMBATI
Kenya: General crime incidents decreased by ten per cent between January and May this year compared to those that happened within the same period in last year.
According to the police statistics released yesterday, there were 30,285 crimes reported between January and May this year and 33,538 in the same period last year and 31,055 in 2011.
The statistics showed there was an increase in cases of robbery and homicide with slight decrease in economic crimes and others involving stealing, dangerous drugs, vehicle thefts, criminal damage, break-ins, stock theft, offences against morality and theft by servants.
Between January and May, Rift Valley region topped list of crime records with 7,598 incidents followed by Central (4,450), Eastern (4,279), Nairobi (3,765), Coast (3,658), Nyanza (3,061) and Western (2,923).
Airports had 32 cases.
Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said the crimes involved organised gangs, cattle rustlers, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, inter-tribal clashes, urbanisation and population growth, poverty, culture and religious characteristics.
“We have embarked on various strategies to address the problem which includes prosecution of suspected offenders and increased patrols,” said Kimaiyo.
Rate of abortions
The data shows there were 6,779 crimes committed last month — 6,427 in January, 5,802 in February, 5,422 in March and 5,855 in April. The decline of the crime rate in March has been attributed to the election period when most Kenyans were busy, he said.
There were more cases of offences involving police officers since January — 48 compared to last year’s 14 and 2011’s 18 — while murder cases rose to 869 this year from last year’s 732. There have been 16 case of manslaughter since January, 18 procured abortions and 199 suicide cases.
Crime is a major issue that affect economic development in any society and given to the current trend, there is a likelihood the incidents will increase by the end of the year.
