Matungulu security authorities and residents on Wednesday held a security meeting to discuss strategies of curbing insecurity in Tala Town.
Speaking during the meeting which was held at Tala Redeemed Gospel Church, Matungulu Sub-County Deputy Commissioner Mr Patrick Mwangi, said members of the public need to cooperate more with police officers in order to enhance security in the area.
He raised concern over increased cases of armed robberies in the area, and urged residents to provide information about people suspected to be engaging in crime.
"Police officers should not be considered as enemies. Residents should understand that the police are there to provide security and should therefore be considered as friends," said Mwangi.
Matungulu Chamber of Commerce chair Irene Nduku, said that the rate of crime had gone up due to the shortage of police officers stationed in Tala Town.
Nduku said the urban centre was growing at a rapid rate thus one police post was not enough to serve the security needs of the growing population.
"Some important security offices were moved from Tala town, which is the major urban centre in the area, to minor urban centres, several kilometers away,” said Nduku.
She added, “The deputy commissioner’s office was moved to Kisukioni market, about 20 kilometers from Tala, while the OCPD's office was moved to Malaa market which is about 30 kilometers from Tala."
She said the offices should be set up in Tala Town, which is the major urban centre in the area, as they play a key role in enhancing security.
She further called upon the authorities to deploy more police officers to the area, and establish a large police station to supplement the current police post.
This comes days after a University of Nairobi Professor was murdered in his home by robbers who made away with some of property.