A recent spate of criminal activities by organised gangs in Nakuru West has forced an overhaul of the region's security system.

In a bid to curb the resurgence of organised gangs, the National Police Service has moved to effect changes in police command at various levels in Nakuru County.

Also Read: Cries of Crime: I am afraid that I will be attacked again by confirm gang

Starting with Rhonda Police Station, which has been under fire for its inability to tame the menace of criminal gangs, a new officer has already taken charge of the station, Chief Inspector George Onyango, replacing Dominic Munyitsia.

The station has been accused of harbouring rogue police officers suspected of colluding with some members of the gang. The station was found to be without a single patrol vehicle.

Nakuru County Commissioner Layfoord Kibaara had suggested in his earlier briefing that some officers were protecting the criminal gangs in order to benefit from their loot.

Also Read: Cries of Crime: Inside Mauki, WaTZ gang wars and how rogue police officers are involved

At sub-county level, Francis Wahome has already replaced Edwins Otieno as the new sub-county police commander.

Mtaa Wangu has also learnt that the county police chief, Mr Zachary Kimani, may also be on his way. According to the county commissioner, the rumours have reached his ears but are yet to be confirmed.

Also Read: Cries of Crime: Why we joined 'confirm' gang

"I have also heard from somewhere about the transfer of the county police commander but I am yet to verify the information," said Mr Kibaara.
Rift Valley County Police Commander Tom Odero, on the other hand, could neither deny nor confirm the report.

"I do not want to comment on the issue. I am still in the meeting," Mr Odero said.
The changes comes a few weeks after Mtaa wangu ran an exclusive series on the rise of criminal activity in Nakuru.

The series, called Cries of Crime, highlighted how organised criminal gangs were terrorising locals.

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

The series also highlighted the extent of the threat posed to the community by the Mauki and Watizedi gangs, as well as the security lapses and gaps in the justice system that were hampering the fight against the gangs.

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Nakuru Police bosses moved in shakeup, following the rise of criminal activities in the County

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Joseph Openda