Matiang'i orders transfers of security chiefs and administrators in Kiambu

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i addressing residents of Gatundu South. [Kamau Maichuhie/Standard]

The Government has reshuffled Kiambu County security chiefs to address rising insecurity, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

The CS made the announcement after a two-hour closed-door meeting with top security officers in the region yesterday.

After the meeting at Gatundu South Deputy County Commissioner’s offices, Dr Matiang’i (pictured) announced he was reorganising security and national Government administration in Kiambu to deal with rampant insecurity.

The CS directed Central Regional Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga to ensure all vacant positions for chiefs and their assistants in the county were filled by October 15.

The visit by Matiang’i comes hot on the heels of reported cases of murder, rape, defilement and robberies reaching alarming levels.

Matiang'i told the locals President Uhuru Kenyatta had instructed him and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to look into the surge of insecurity.

Criminal gang

He warned criminal gangs perpetuating insecurity in the area that their days were numbered. “What we are witnessing here is very frustrating. Our job, however, is to fix this problem and we shall fix it. I want to assure you that this job will be done,” said Matiang’i.

The CS said the Government would be tough on the criminals, adding that he would be following in the footsteps of the once powerful and feared Internal Security Minister John Michuki.

Michuki, (deceased), is remembered for crashing the reemergence of the Mungiki gang in central Kenya during his reign as Internal Security Minister under retired President Mwai Kiabaki.

“We'll comb this place until criminals will have no place to hide. If any of you here knows them go tell them we will be very hard on them. People must be left to live and do their jobs in peace,” he said.

The visit by Matiang’i comes days after residents of Icaweri and Ng’enda villages in Gatundu South staged protests against rising insecurity.