Residents of Rhonda slums have turned the heat on scrap metal dealers accusing them of being responsible for the rise in crime in the area. The residents on Friday expressed their anger over what they termed as dangerous business being carried out by the dealers. Casper Juma, a resident in the area said that he had to contend with constant break-ins into his house by youths who were looking for scrap metal to sell.
"My house seemingly has become a treasure field because criminals looking for scrap metal never seem to be satisfied. They keep breaking into the house in search of them," he said.
Judith Kimeu, another resident also said that young men from the area had refused to engage in meaningful activities and had resorted to stealing scrap metal from houses in the area including sufurias.
However, a dealer who only introduced himself as Mwas said that they don't promote crime through their trade and asked those accusing them to come forth and claim their alleged stolen properties.
"It is very unfair for anyone to say that we are fueling crime through our trade.We deal in a legal business and if anyone doubts that then they can step forth and point out their stolen property," he said.
The residents have now pleaded with the county government to regulate the business before they incur anymore losses.