Police blamed for rising insecurity

By Osinde Obare

Tranzoia, Kenya: The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) has decried rising insecurity in Trans-Nzoia County in the past few days.

The CJPC also demanded a reshuffle of security officers in the region. The commission said armed criminals have killed five people including two police detectives in one week.

In a statement, they condemned the officers’ killing and blamed the deteriorating security on police laxity. The commission director Leonard Barasa said an organised squad is perpetrating crime and police have failed to bring them to book.

“If police officers can be gunned down easily, how safe are the common people?” he said.

He urged Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to move some officers who have served in the area for more than seven years.

“We believe there is a vacuum within the security apparatus and this has given criminals the opportunity to operate and execute their missions,” he said.

Two youths were hacked to death by criminals at Lukhome in Saboti while two officers were shot dead by a criminal they were pursuing at Tiwan estate where a third officer was wounded and is recuperating in hospital.

The suspect reportedly opened fire at the officers from the roof of a house where he was hiding.

A detective from Nakuru was tracking down the criminal when he sought back up from officers at Kitale CID office.

Smoke him out

The officer accompanied by two others raided the criminal’s house only to meet their death as they tried to smoke him out.

In another incident, a motorcycle rider was shot and robbed along Kitale/Cherangany road and later succumbed to injuries at Kitale District Hospital.

On Wednesday night, thugs attacked and robbed a teacher at Section Nineteen within Kitale.

And during the swearing-in of Trans-Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba, leaders led by Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa protested against the rising crime.

Kitale OCPD Kimani Mitugo urged the public to collaborate with the police to fight the crime.