Murkomen says operation underway to end mugging spree in Nairobi, major towns
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen now says a security operation to address rising cases of mugging in the Nairobi CBD and other major towns reporting similar incidents is underway.
Speaking while addressing journalists in Bungoma town during his ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama sessions, CS Murkomen vowed action that would weed them out entirely.
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"This culture of goons that mutate and become gangs is something of very great concern across the country, especially among the bigger counties in the country. We are witnessing the presence of goons, and this is not acceptable," he said.
During his tour of Trans Nzoia County last month, over 175 individuals who he claimed were marauding as goons were arrested.
"We have come to notice that part of the problem of muggings and violence is being perpetrated by persons known as street children, but hey are not street children, they are adults of significant age yet they pose as street children, behave like they don't have homes and cause muggings attacking people both in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma and you saw then in Nairobi. But, again, something is being done to make sure that that issue is addressed decisively," the CS assured, adding that just like the government contained the Panga Boys gang menace in Mombasa early in the year, the mugging in Nairobi will also be stamped out.
He further directed Officers Commanding Police Stations (OCSs) to address cases of theft and muggings on an ongoing basis.
"It's the daily responsibility of the OCS to address these kinds of issues, but if there are operational weaknesses on the side of the police, we will redeploy to address the gaps," he said.
Nairobians have been complaining of theft and muggings at several locations in the city, primarily past 6:00 pm.
"Places to avoid completely or exercise strict caution in Nairobi past 6:00 pm. The environs around Archives, Odeon, Koja (fire station), the stretch of Tom Mboya towards Afya Centre, around City hall, the Murang'a road stretch from Desaj junction towards Globe roundabout," Soko Analyst posted on X.
"The Kipande road stretch towards the Museum, the Wangari Maathai stretch towards the Museum roundabout, and the Haile Selassie stretch all the way to the National Library. Be extra careful. If you can, walk in pairs. I call upon the NPS, Interior CS, and Interior PS to act fast and rein in the terror groups of youth who are terrorising the residents of Nairobi," Soko Analyst posted on X.
This week, the CS and his delegation have been touring the Western region's border counties, which began in Trans Nzoia last month, followed by Busia on Wednesday, and Bungoma on Thursday, all of which, he noted, are facing similar security issues.
"A lot of it is about smuggling of goods, unfortunately, some of these products are contraband, particularly goods that are damaging human life, and I am referring to adulterated alcohol. In the last few months, there have been intensified operations by the county security teams, and very good leads are being followed, and a number of individuals and companies involved in this business are being zeroed in," he said, adding that rapid response teams will be deployed to support the ongoing crackdowns.
Other challenges he noted include: porous borders where vehicles pass through without the proper presence of migration and customs officials, drug smuggling and abuse, land fraud, goons and insecurity in Mt Elgon region.
"We have a resurgence of activities that may endanger peace in the country, and elements that are carrying firearms inside the forests of Mt Elgon. Beyond the county security teams, we have told the National Police Service to work with multi-agency teams to flush out any individual, whether Kenyan or from outside our country, that may be hiding in that forest," said the CS.
Earlier, the CS, while attending the National Consultative conference for OCSs that sought to address the need to transform police stations into centres of excellence and service delivery in Nairobi, recommended that future uniforms for female police officers and Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) feature maternity dresses.
"The female police officers are recruited at 18, 19 or 21, so most are not even married. They are going to get married, get children, and they have no good uniform for when they are expecting, and if you buy them a good uniform, they will wear it when they are having the first child, the second, until the last one," said the CS.
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