Kiambu police boss Mutune Maweu has asked youth to shun crime and be ambassadors of peace.
Speaking to reporters after a security meeting with law enforcers at his Kikuyu office on Thursday, Maweu noted that a high numbers of youth in Kikuyu are engaging in crime.
He said several youths have been arrested in security swoops that had been conducted by police recently.
“We are alarmed by the high number of youths some who are barely 15 and are in criminal gangs,” he said.
The OCPD said youths have resulted to crime as a result of joblessness.
Maweu urged the youth to take advantage of the little opportunities available to better their lives instead of engaging in crime.
He said police are investigating claims that a cartel could be recruiting youths into crime.
“We are hunting down people we believe are recruiting young people to criminal groups,” he said.
Maweu said police have stepped up efforts in maintaining law and order.
The police boss said security patrols are being conducted on a 24 hour basis. The OCPD said police are determined to weed out criminal elements from Kikuyu and the neighbouring towns.
Maweu urged Kikuyu residents to support the police in their fight against crime.