Census gadgets stolen in West Pokot as police pledge tight security

Police are probing an incident in which census equipment were stolen from an official in West Pokot on Thursday night.

The gadgets include a tablet, a USB cable, an adapter, power bank, staff badge, reflector jacket and a bag.

They were stolen after suspected robbers broke into a hardware at Sioyi trading centre and fled with the materials.

Speaking to The Standard on the phone, Sioyi census content supervisor Adrian Kemei said he left the gadgets at the hardware to charge overnight.

He discovered in the morning that they had been stolen.

"The thieves took advantage of the heavy rains that pounded the area during the night. They broke into our hardware and stole the equipment as well as a gas cylinder and some cash," he said.

Kemei said he didn't hear the burglars breaking into the hardware but he was woken up by the screams of a neighbour.

He, however, did not pay attention to the distress calls.

Kemei ?added that he reported the incident at Kapenguria police station, where officers have launched investigations.

West Pokot police commander Jackson Tumwet said officers visited the area but no arrests were made.

Tumwet said investigation officers are tracking the gadgets.

"Census officials are advised to keep in safe custody the equipment and materials since they will pay for any losses," he said.

Meanwhile, residents of Uasin Gishu County have been assured of intensified security in the Census that starts on Saturday evening.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdulrizak Jaldesa said officers have been dispatched to various places for better services.

Jaldesa said officers and local chiefs, assistant chiefs and stakeholders have been instructed to help government officials conduct the seven-day exercise successfully.

“We have been meeting with all stakeholders, including government officials, to create awareness among residents,” said Jaldesa.