Tharaka Nithi Police Commander Charles Mbatu has called for cooperation from the public amid an ongoing operation to nab people involved in the murder of Kiamaindi chief Japheth Mayau and Chuka OCS Joseph Kinyua.
Mayau was killed by irate villagers in his location on Tuesday, while Kinyua met his death in the neighbouring Embu County on Wednesday, leading to a heavy General Service Unit (GSU) operation in the area on Thursday.
Mbatu is now calling upon residents, most of whom have fled their homes after GSU officers embarked on a door to door search, to surrender information that might help in the arrest of the suspects.
"We urge members of the public to cooperate with police and continue giving us information that will help us arrest all the suspected criminals,” said Mbatu.
On Thursday, several police vehicles were seen heading to the villages from Chuka Town. Residents left their homes over fear, and most of them are now being hosted by relatives living in distant places.
Five people suspected of taking part in the murder of the chief have since been arrested, while the killer of the OCS who has been identified as David Ikaaba was shot dead after hacking the police boss to death with an axe.
The incident occurred when Kinyua and his officers attempted to arrest the suspect at his butchery in Ugweri Market, in Embu East. He was shot in the chest.