Lukenya assistant county commissioner Elizabeth Karitu addressing a security public baraza at Kilili market in Athi River, Machakos County on December 7, 2007. (Photo/ Maugo Owiti/hivisasa.com)

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Residents of Lukenya Division in Athi River Sub County have been told to obtain national identification cards for easier identification and comply with the law.

Area assistant county commissioner Elizabeth Karitu said majority of Kalusya residents had attained age 18 but does not hold national identification cards contrary to the law.

“Some residents do not have IDs.  It is a warning we are sending to you, if you do not have the document get one or seek waiting card,” said Karitu.

“Family unit is very important. We need to know you, where you come from and what you do here for a living, some of you abandoned their families and are idling here engaging in criminal activities,” she added.

Karitu spoke at a public security baraza in Kilili Market on Thursday.

She said the residents who do not have IDs are difficult to identify since criminals hide in several quarries in the area after engaging in criminal activities.

Karitu said there was increasing insecurity in the area.

“We will intensify police patrols. As residents you should abide by the law, desist from illicit businesses,” said Karitu.

 She urged the residents to develop positive attitudes and take the market where they reside as their ‘home.’

“This is where you should call home and seek your development, traders should unite and say no to crime in this area and its environs,” said Karitu.

Karitu told the locals to ensure security so as to focus on personal development.

She attributed the increased insecurity to high rates of drug and substance abuse in the area dominated by quarrying activities.

Karitu said there were 26 pubs and clubs in Kilili market some of which trade in illicit liquor.

She warned that she will conduct an operation to close down bars which do not comply to the law.

“This market has been notorious onillicit brew which we had earlier been able to fight up to 80 percent, after the baraza we had brief meeting with boda boda operators and reminded them to follow the law and cooperate with security officers in curbing crime,” said Karitu.

The residents accused boda boda operators of being used by chang’aa traders in ferrying illicit liquor into the market.

Karitu said criminals operating in the area should either seek salvation or quit Machakos County before long arm of the law catches up with them.