Rhonda Police Station has been in the headlines the past few weeks, following continuous reports of criminal activity in Nakuru West sub-county.

The station which was a police post two years ago was upgraded in 2013.

This was necessitated by a surge in insecurity around Rhonda. The only station that existed at the time was Kaptembwo Police Station.

The coming of Rhonda Police Station was seen as a plus in security operations in the area.

Stephen Mwanda, a resident in Rhonda, recalls how residents who were living in fear were relieved, knowing that the station would enhance security.

"This station played a big role in restoring security here in Rhonda," says Mwanda.

However, a week ago a man suspected to be a member of the Mauki gang was found murdered.

Residents suspected that the man was killed by WaTz members, causing a fierce fight between the two gangs.

These gang wars saw residents being robbed in broad daylight as seen in a videos circulating online.

It was this turn of events that caught the attention of top county security authorities, leading to the directive by County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara on reshuffling of officers at Rhonda police station.

Kibaara blamed the crime on laxity and interference in investigations by rogue police officers.

“Some of the officers have stayed in that station for a long time. This has made some of them too comfortable,” Mr Kibaara said in a recent press briefing.

Nakuru West Sub-County Police Commander Edwin Otieno Ogwari confirms that there is an ongoing overhaul of the security team at Rhonda Police Station.

He notes that the former OCS, Dominic Munyitsia, has proceeded on terminal leave before retirement.

“Chief inspector George Onyango will now take over as OCS Rhonda Police Station.”

Mtaa Wangu has also established that Rhonda Police Station lacks a patrol vehicle.

County Police Commander Zachary Kimani confirms that due to budget constraints, the station does not have a patrol vehicle.

However, when the need arises, the officers are at liberty to use the OCPDs vehicle, or any available vehicle from other security agencies.

During a visit to Rhonda on Monday, June 12, 2023, residents said they were living in constant fear of the gangs.

Wednesday, in particular, evokes tension in Rhonda because that is when the body of one of the suspected gang members will be removed from the Nakuru county mortuary for burial in Western Kenya.

"We are worried that on Wednesday when the body shall be removed, there shall be a fracas here. We hope police officers will be assigned to maintain law and order," says Jane*, a resident.

Kimani insists that the residents have nothing to fear because police are conducting regular patrols in the area.

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Also Read: Cries of Crime: How gaps in the judicial system aid release of criminal gangs

Cries of Crime: A police station with retiring OCS and no patrol vehicle

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Pristone Mambili