Residents of Kinanie division in Athi River, Machakos County are calling on the government to step up security in the area.
The residents said there was increased insecurity in the area prompting some of them to abandon their homes to safety.
“We are tired of being attacked at night on daily basis, some of us have abandoned their homes and sought refuge elsewhere in rental houses,” said spokesman David Ouma.
They addressed the press at Kinanie Market on Tuesday. Ouma said the situation had worsened since November 2017.
He said there was no single nigh which passes without homes getting broken into and property stolen by armed gangs.
“We have sleepless nights, our homes are raided and the property was stolen including goats, sheep, and cattle,” said Ouma.
Ouma said the two police posts erected at Samora and Kivae areas were not helpful to the residents.
A man was reportedly shot in the leg by thugs in Kinanie on December 31, 2017 at night and was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi where he is undergoing treatment.
Athi River deputy county commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said they had addressed the insecurity issue in Kinanie.
“There should be no more worries in Kinanie, we are handling the situation,” said Omoding.
Omoding said a suspect had been arrested in connection with criminal activities in the area and was helping police officers in investigations.
He said as a Sub County Security committee, they had made various changes in senior officers in the police posts to curb crime.