The community has been told to be the watchdog over natural resources and other public utilities where the government has no surveillance.
According to Uika Location Chief John Musyoni, residents must assume the responsibility of guarding communication cables, water sources and pipes, forest and any other public utility within the locality. He adds that these utilities belong to the community.
The chief was responding to a recent incident where water pipes were vandalised in area causing water shortage within Yatta and its environs.
Musyoni reminded residents that they have power to arrest criminal and frog march them to the relevant authorities but he cautioned them against taking the law in their hands saying it is against the law.
He was referring to increased incidences of lynching suspects in the area that has left a handful of people being set ablaze by the public.
The local administrator urged the community to accept back to the community convicts who finish their jail term adding that they deserve to be given another chance in life as most of them comes back rehabilitated.
The chief was speaking in a security baraza that was called to discuss security matters in the area over the weekend.