Residents of Karatu Village in Gatundu North on Wednesday held a demonstration over what they said is increased insecurity in the area.
Led by bodaboda operators, the residents expressed their concerns over massive robbery with violence by unknown armed gangsters. The resident lamented a case whereby old woman’s house was invaded in the area and goods more than 100,000 stolen.
The irate members of the public moved with placards and tree branches chanting ‘security is our right’. According to Dorcas Muthoni, a resident, the area had become notorious of crimes with five rape cases reported in the last seven months.
“Our worry is that police officers do not take actions even after arresting suspects. We are tired of cheap talks from our corporal that actions will be taken. Imagine we have had over five rape cases in the last six months with the perpetrators being arrested and released. This must stop!” she said.
Martin Murigi, the bodaboda workers leader said gangsters were tricking the operators by behaving as customers just to react on them after taking them to their destinations.
“We have three bodabodas lost in gangsters tricks. The police are yet to assure us proper security especially to some of us who operate very early in the morning,” he said.
Speaking to the irked public, Gatundu North Commissioner Daniel Nyamiti assured residents security and requested them to remain calm as police investigates the matter. He promised to deploy two more officers at Karatu AP post to heighten security in the area.
The residents were calmed and repulsed back to their homesteads after a conclusive speech from the commissioner.