The Man Peter Mwanzo

It was during the height of insecurity in Nakuru County and the media was awash with disturbing news of horrific murders allegedly committed by the dreaded confirm gang.

Six women had been brutally killed in Bahati sub county in a span of one week and panic had gripped most residents in the region.

The surge in crime had become a cause for alarm especially at the time when the country was gearing up for the August 9 General Elections

The country’s top security organs were provoked and the then Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi was forced to act in a bid to neutralize the growing tension.

And at a public baraza held at Mawanga estate within Nakuru county, changes in the security apparatus were announced among them redeployment of the county police commander Beatrice Kiraguri.

Peter Mwanzo, the Kasarani OCPD was unveiled as the new sheriff in the rift county.

A towering figure with a serious look and a moustache saluted in acceptance to the new role.

He was not new to most residents, since the majority were abreast with news of a senior cop having been robbed off Sh 600,000 by in a mobile money fraud case.

The orders from the CS were specific, to pursue the culprits behind the murders and bring to an end the confirm gang menace

At first he appeared to be unequal to the task until he hit the ground running. Arrests after another instilled confidence among the residents that he was the final remedy to the gang menace.

With time he had cut an image of an officer who was determined to fight crime at all costs.

Dark blue shades became his trademark and was always present at the scene of crime ready to give briefs.

Mwanzo enjoyed wide media coverage and Nakuru journalists found him reliable and a rich source for crime stories.

Mwanzo would pick a call at any time whether it was during daytime or night and would explain issues extensively.

 However, this saw him receive both positive and negative coverage as some media outlets used his own words against him.

His colleagues at the National Police Police service described him as a workaholic who loved his job.

“Mwanzo was always on duty whether during the day or night and this pushed other officers to work hard to match his efforts,” said Mr Stephen Ambani the DCIO Nakuru West sub county.

Interacting with Mwanzo at a social platform gave a different picture from what he is known in the public. Mwanzo is one of the bubbliest and interesting persons to interact with.

And his absence will be felt from all corners of Nakuru county.

openda@ke.nationmedia.com