Residents of Mekenene ward in Nyamira County have been cautioned against harboring suspected criminals in their houses in a bid to secure them from arrest.
Speaking on Thursday during a funeral service in Mwongori village, Mekenene ward representative Alfayo Ngeresa urged the government to take a stern action against those who may be found culpable of the criminality.
He said authorities had failed to act swiftly on suspected criminals who have been vandalising and cannibalising on local residents due to protection from locals who wanted to help them evade justice.
“I am not happy that a number of residents are shielding some criminals from facing justice. We have seen a number of residents falling victims to robbers but it has been quite difficult to arrest them because of protection they get from a number of locals,” he said.
Mr Ngeresa urged local authorities and the police to execute a crackdown in a bid to arrest a group of suspected gangs who are reportedly hiding in the nearby township of Chepilat.
“Police and local authority should consider making a follow-up to catch up with these people. Any local who may be found entertaining them should also be held accountable. The criminals are said to be hiding in Chepilat and we want the police to help us catch up with them,” he said.
Area chief David Ogega backed the area MCA and promised to lead his team to arrest residents who are alleged to be giving suspected criminals a safe haven.