Worrying crime surge in Nakuru in mid-2022 saw the then Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i do an overhaul of Nakuru’s security apparatus.

This move led to the replacement of the then Nakuru County Police Commander Beatrice Kiraguri with former Kasarani Police Boss Peter Mwanzo.

The new County Police Commander’s first task was to ensure sanity returns to the various estates such as Mawanga, Rhonda, Kivumbini and Flamingo that had experienced unrest from various criminal gangs among them the notorious ‘confirm’ gang.

The illegal confirm gang has in the past been blamed for muggings, rape and murders in various parts of the County.

A few months into his tenure, Mwanzo rubbed shoulders the wrong way with Human rights defenders following an incident in Barut, Nakuru West Sub county where four men were allegedly murdered in the hands of police, in what the police said was in relation to a murder case in the area.

Mwanzo, maintained that the four were part of the notorious ‘Confirm’ criminal gang which had been terrorizing Nakuru residents.

However, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) called for the immediate suspension of the police boss following the case.

But Mwanzo maintained that the men were gunned down by police who were acting in self-defence during a night patrol.

During his leadership, many suspected members of the confirm gang including alleged ring leaders were arrested and arraigned in court.

Simon Ole Nasieku from the Nakuru Street Traders and Hawkers Association cited how the operations of the matatus back to Nakuru CBD was well coordinated under Mwanzo’s watch.

‘We have seen a commander who understands his work,” said Nasieku.

Sentiments echoed by Joseph Muya- the Proprietor of Summit Resort in Nakuru that opened doors to members of the public late last year.

Muya says through Mwanzo a proper arrangement was made for security operations along Lake Nakuru Road from NCCK to his premise, Summit Resort.

“With his assistance we restored security in this area which is a good thing for the business,” he said.

Mwanzo who has been recalled to Nairobi for redeployment, will be replaced by Zachary Kimani.

pmambili@gmail.com

Moments that defined Mwanzo's tenure as Nakuru's Police Boss

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Pristone Mambili