A police crackdown at Kaka James estate has led to the arrest of 52 suspects linked to various criminal activities in the area.

Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Boit says Police conducted three raids in Kaka James last week following reports that two people had been stabbed, leaving them nursing injuries. He says the operations resulted in the arrest of more than 52 suspects, with some cases already before the courts.

“We have cracked down on the illegal criminal gangs. We have conducted three raids in Kaka James and arrested over 52 people,” he says.

Boit attributes some of the recent security challenges in Mwariki and parts of the Pipeline area to gaps in police operations, which he says are being addressed through changes in local leadership.

“We have the new OCS and we are doing wonderfully. I believe that will be a thing of the past because there was sluggishness by the outgoing OCS, who was changed two weeks ago,” he says.

During the recent attack at the estate one victim is said to be nursing injuries in hospital with residents raising fears of return of the insecurity that has disrupted businesses and threatened residents’ safety.

Esther Wanjiku, a salon and bar owner in the area, says insecurity has worsened over the past two months, with residents struggling to get help when they report incidents to the police.

“There are no security lights here and that is the problem. When we raise the alarm at the police station, they do not respond,” she says.

Wanjiku says groups of young men, some allegedly armed with knives, have been terrorizing residents and business owners, leaving them afraid to operate late into the night.

She says businesses are increasingly affected as customers fear visiting the area, forcing some traders to close earlier than their usual operating hours.

“We currently close at 9 pm, yet we were used to operating till 11pm. Customers are also afraid to come to our businesses due to the insecurity here,” she says.

Samuel Macharia, the boda boda chairperson at Kaka James estate, also raises concerns over phone theft and harassment, saying insecurity is being experienced even during the day.

He says police sometimes arrest people indiscriminately instead of targeting the actual criminals, leaving innocent residents at risk of being caught up in the crackdown.

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Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

The concerns come amid claims circulating on Facebook about a resurgence of insecurity in Nakuru town, including reports of incidents around Gateiguru Bridge. These reports point to growing public anxiety over safety in different parts of the town.

The renewed concerns also raise questions about the effectiveness of security interventions and whether residents can rely on law enforcement agencies to respond promptly to reported incidents.

On insecurity around Gateiguru Bridge, Boit says police have arrested more than 68 suspects in a four-day operation targeting suspected criminals.

“This week, for the last four days, we have taken over 68 suspects. It was a small issue and we tackled it. You can go to the prison and confirm,” he says.

Hezron Okiki, a resident of Nakuru Town, says political interference and unemployment are among the factors he believes contribute to insecurity.

He alleges that some political leaders intervene when suspects are arrested, undermining efforts to address crime.

“Once these people are arrested, it is the leaders who intervene to secure their release and insist that they be let go,” he says.

Okiki claims some leaders use young people as political goons, arguing that such interference weakens public confidence in security agencies.

He also links insecurity to unemployment, saying leaders should prioritize job creation and vocational training to give young people alternative sources of income.

He says technical training could equip young people with practical skills to work as carpenters, mechanics and tailors, enabling them to become self-employed.

However, Okiki says insecurity requires cooperation between residents and police, urging members of the public to share credible information with law enforcement agencies.

“Members of the public should share information with the relevant authorities so that they can work together to prevent crime,” he says.

His concerns come as residents call for a stronger security response, including improved lighting, effective police patrols and timely action when incidents are reported.

to me

Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Boit says security in the county has improved, even as residents of Kaka James estate and Gateiguru Bridge report fresh incidents of crime.

Boit says police conducted three raids in Kaka James last week following reports that two people had been stabbed, leaving them nursing injuries. He says the operations resulted in the arrest of more than 52 suspects, with some cases already before the courts.

“We have cracked down on the illegal criminal gangs. We have conducted three raids in Kaka James and arrested over 52 people,” he says.

Boit attributes some of the recent security challenges in Mwariki and parts of the Pipeline area to gaps in police operations, which he says are being addressed through changes in local leadership.

“We have the new OCS and we are doing wonderfully. I believe that will be a thing of the past because there was sluggishness by the outgoing OCS, who was changed two weeks ago,” he says.

On insecurity around Gateiguru Bridge, Boit says police have arrested more than 68 suspects in a four-day operation targeting suspected criminals.

“This week, for the last four days, we have taken over 68 suspects. It was a small issue and we tackled it. You can go to the prison and confirm,” he says.

Boit says police are continuing with the crackdown but acknowledges that crime cannot be eliminated entirely.

“As an authority, as the commander, we cannot expect 100 per cent free crime. We are doing all we can,” he says.

He urges residents to share information with the police, saying community cooperation is essential in identifying suspects and preventing further incidents.

“The security starts with you,” he says.

Police crackdown at Kaka James estate nets 52 suspects amid rising security concerns

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Leleti Jassor