The recent torching of Syokimau Police Camp in Athi River sub-county has led to security lapse in the area, says Syokimau Residents Association’s chairman Humphrey Odhiambo.
Speaking to this reporter at the camp shortly after the residents’ meeting at the camp on Thursday, Odhiambo said the burning down of the camp was a big blow to the entire Syokimau community.
“This impromptu meeting was an aftermath of the shocking incident of razing down a section of the police post. We have chatted way forward as neighbors to ensure we enhance security in Syokimau and its neighborhoods,” said Odhiambo.
Odhiambo said as residents, they were keen and ready to work with police officers in ensuring their lives and property are protected at all times.
He said the torched AP camp was an initiated of the residents through Syokimau Residents Association.
Odhiambo said the association raised Sh7 million to construct AP officers houses next to the camp including the container that was burnt by bodaboda operators during the recent demonstrations.
He said the association bought and furnished the burnt container at cost of Sh 800,000.
Odhiambo said the residents themselves cannot manage their own security without engaging security agencies hence the need to support and work cordially with the police.
He said Syokimau estate that is 25 km square with a population of averagely 15,000 residents from over 6,000 households was vast and unmanageable without the AP camp.
“Syokimau cannot be managed by the residents alone, we agitated and got this post because we used to rely on the Mlolongo Police Station that is several kilometers away from the estate,” said Odhiambo.
He said the camp improved the area’s security.
Odhiambo said the residents contribute funds regularly to pay water, sewerage and electricity bill at a monthly cost of Sh 20,000 for the officers’ houses.
He said the government should upgrade the post and gazette it as a fully fledged police station.
“This is the time that the government needs to take care of the facility, it should be upgraded and gazetted as a fully fledged police station,” said Odhiambo.