New policing authority to address insecurity in Tharaka-Nithi County

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa has commissioned a new county policing authority.

The authority’s work is to help to tackle security issues in the county.

It comprises of eight committee members drawn from various wards in the county and security heads from the national government.

Speaking during the launch, Mr Ragwa urged the new authority to come up with proposals and peace models that will help to improve the existing security system.

“You will be working with the police at the grassroots level where you can all identify problems affecting our people in terms of security and be able to deal with the issues amicably,” he said.

He said there were many issues that needed thorough consultations with the public.

Being at the village level, it would make it easy for the security team and the county authorities to prevent crime before it happens, he added.

“We have the Nyumba Kumi initiative which has been very helpful.

"From today this team will also work together with Nyumba Kumi leaders for the sake of our people’s safety,” said the governor.

He also highlighted issues like boundary conflicts, cattle rustling, drugs and illicit brews that he said were a challenge to development and which the new policing team will help deal with.

BE ROLE MODELS

“We want you to be role models in creating a peaceful environment which will attract investors to our county,” he said.

He called upon the new officials to ensure that there is good communication between them and the national security team which he said was important if they have to achieve their objective.

The governor asked the committee to be fair in executing their duties in order to have a good relationship with the public.

“You have not been given power to intimidate or victimize people but instead use the link to unite and enhance trust so that you can get information that will save the county from security risks,” said Mr Ragwa.

PUBLIC FORUMS
He also urged the team to participate in public forums and debates on bills from the county assembly which will help a great deal in sensitising the community on issues affecting them.

County Police Commander Johnstone Ipara assured the county government of support in the new security initiative and urged the new authority to work with other organisations that promote security.

He, however, warned them against engaging in vigilante-like activities, bribery and politics in the pretext of ensuring security.

“We are also cautioning you against direct confrontation with criminals so as to avoid endangering your lives,’ he emphasised.