One killed as police confront pineapple thieves in Murang’a

Public Outcry Grows Over Rising Insecurity in Murang’a
Residents and local leaders in Murang’a County are raising an alarm over a surge in criminal activities that has left communities living in fear. The outcry follows a series of violent incidents, including armed robberies, home invasions, and attacks on business premises, which are increasingly being reported across various sub-counties.
According to affected residents, gangs of armed youth are staging brazen attacks, often targeting homes and motorists along secluded roads. The criminals, who are often armed with machetes, knives, and occasionally firearms, have been accused of stealing cash, electronics, and livestock. We can no longer sleep peacefully. These criminals strike at will, and the police response has been too slow. We demand action, stated a resident from Kiharu, capturing the growing public frustration.
The situation has prompted urgent appeals from area Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and civil society groups, who are calling on County Commissioner Patrick Mwangi and the county security team to deploy additional police officers and increase night patrols. They are also urging for the installation of street lights in dark spots and the activation of community policing initiatives to help deter criminal activities.
In response to the public pressure, the county security committee has acknowledged the concerns and pledged to intensify security operations. The police have encouraged residents to form and actively participate in neighborhood watches and to report suspicious individuals to the authorities promptly. As Murang’a grapples with this wave of crime, the effectiveness of the security response will be critical in restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety of the residents and their property.