Special crime prevention unit deployed at Thomson’s Falls

By JAMES MUNYEKI

Laikipia, Kenya: A special crime prevention unit has been deployed at Nyahururu Thomson’s Falls valley to curb runaway crime.

This is clearly in response to an exclusive report published by The Standard last week that revealed numerous criminal activities that have been going on in the valley.

In the last one week a couple has been stabbed by rampaging gangs who stole their valuables and made an attempted rape in the area.

Nyandarua North OCPD Benjamin Onsongo yesterday led a team of police officers and detectives into the valley to assess the situation. He said they would ensure 24-hour security.

And the number of tourists to the region has considerably declined following the insecurity incidents.

“We want to assure the public that everything is now under control. We will not let criminals harass innocent people who come to tour the falls,” the police chief noted.

Onsongo also said that a Dog Unit patrol squad had  been deployed in the area.

The gangs, who steal electronics and other valuables from both local and foreign tourists, are believed to be from the nearby Kiamaina slums.

Hospitality industry operators had blamed the Laikipia County government of failing to deploy security personnel to secure the scenic valley.

Foreign tourists pay Sh500 while locals are charged Sh200 to visit the falls. “It is the sole responsibility of the county government to provide security. Tourists are shunning the falls,” lamented Mr Joseph Ndirangu, the manager at Nyahururu Thomson Falls Lodge.

He, however, assured tourists that proper measures werepresently  being put in place by the hoteliers who have hired private guards to collaborate with police patrols.