Locals appeal for swift action over crime

By JOB WERU

An alarm has been raised over rising cases of highway banditry and armed robberies in Kieni East, Nyeri County.

On Wednesday night, a lorry crew was attacked by a gang that shot at the truck and deflated its tyres.

And last week, an armed gang raided an Mpesa shop in Narumoru town, where they escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

At the same time, residents of Ichuga area, along the Nyeri-Laikipia border have complained over increased robbery and burglary cases.During Wednesday’s incident, the crew, which was travelling from Nanyuki to Kiganjo was sprayed with bullets, forcing the driver to brake.

By yesterday morning, the lorry was still parked in the middle of the road at Gathorongai area, where it stalled.

Ms Alice Wangui, a resident of Narumoru town said the lorry was attacked at Kwa Waheire area, but the driver struggled to control the vehicle, until it stalled at Gathorongai. “These cases are worrying. A few days ago, a gang attacked an Mpesa shop as early as 7Pm and they escaped with about Sh100,000,” said Wangui.

When contacted, Kieni East OCPD Ancent Kaloki shifted the blame to his Kieni West counterpart, saying that the area is not under his jurisdiction.