Police constable arrested in Nyeri swoop

A police constable attached to Nyeri Central Police Station is among 131 people arrested Friday night in Nyeri in a swoop against robbers and burglars.

The officer is suspected to have broken into the signals office at the station and stolen a laptop, computer accessories and files, Nyeri County Police Commander Ali Nuno said.

The items, Nuno said, were recovered at the officer's living quarters.

His arrest came as 130 others were arrested in Classic, Ruring’u and Ngangarithi Estates in Nyeri town. Police clamped down on thefts, which have increased over the festive period.

The swoop followed the Thursday shooting of a shopkeeper at Ciaraini Market on the outskirts of the town as he attempted to stop a break-in at his shop.

The shopkeeper was shot after he confronted a three-man gang that was robbing his shop at around 9pm.

“The robbers escaped on a motorcycle and the trader has been admitted in hospital. We did however get a few leads that we are pursuing,” the Nyeri County Police boss said.

Following the robbery, police say they have rounded three suspects.

The operation conducted by a joint county security team was focused in Ngangarithi and Ruring’u estates.

“The focus for us is to ensure residents of Nyeri get to enjoy their festivities without fear of insecurity. We have key areas that we have mapped out and have officers on the ground,” Nuno said.

The suspects will remain in custody until Monday when they will be arraigned in court.

The police boss said the operation will intensify in coming weeks.