A community forum in Kivumbini ward on Saturday organized by Sauti Yetu initiative. [Photo: Pristone Mambili]
Residents of Kivumbini ward in Nakuru East sub-county have been urged to embrace community policing.
Speaking on Saturday when she represented the OCS Bondeni in a community forum on issues affecting residents,Verrah from Bondeni Police station urged residents not to take law in their hands but be willing to report crimes in their area to relevant authorities.
While noting that police are human too, the officer called on residents to shun engaging the security officers in acts that might trigger them to use force.
“Police are human too and should not be seen as enemies in the society. Our role as citizens is to report any issues of insecurity to the OCS and will be dealt with,”she said.
She also refuted claims among members of the community that police have been using excessive force on area youths.
Her sentiments coming barely 12 days after 24 youths were arraigned before a Nakuru court and charged with attacking police officers and preparing to commit felony.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Wakumilie Ndururu, the 24 youths were accused of attacking officers who were on patrol at Kivumbini estate on November 10, 2017 jointly with others not before court while armed with crude weapons.
This court heard that their intention was also meant to harm the members of the public and police officers.
They however denied all the charges and were released on a surety bond of Sh50, 000 each with an alternative cash bail of Sh25,000.
The case was slated for a mention on November 28, 2017.
This even as parents from Kivumbini have been asked to know the whereabouts of their children during this festive season.
Parents were also urged to help shape the youth
Sentiments echoed by Francis Shinali who is the organizing Secretary Nakuru Town East Neighborhood Association (NATENA.)
Speaking during the community Forum that was organized by Sauti Yetu initiative, Shinali called on residents to play their role in ensuring security rather than leaving it to the police alone.
“Security begins with all of us in society and we should not leave it to the police or government alone alone,” he said.
During the forum, residents raised issues affecting them ranging from security, housing, health and education.
A community action group was formed that will see collaboration with area MCA’s office, Ward administrator and residents in addressing the issues.
Area MCA through his personal Assistant Mr.Collins Oraka vowed to work closely with other stakeholders in addressing the challenges facing various estates in Kivumbini Ward.
Felix Odhiambo Kadjoe from Sauti Yetu initiative called for collaboration between authorities and the citizens..
Sauti Yetu is an initiative of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!
A social movement platform advocating grassroots dialogue between duty bearers: political aspirants, elected officials and members of the community.
The aim of Sauti Yetu is to encourage communities, political aspirants, elected leaders and their immediate representatives to engage in ongoing dialogue about community issues and challenges for resolution and harmonious co-existence.
Sauti Yetu seeks to encourage communities to exercise their democratic rights and engage based on issues that are relevant to them rather than on negative ethnicity and/or partisan politics.