Nakuru police warn gangs, assure residents' safety over Christmas

Security authorities in Nakuru have assured residents of tight security during the festive season.

Nakuru County Commander Stephen Matu said the police will keep vigil in criminal gang prone areas in the region to ensure the residents enjoy the festive season in peace.

Speaking to the Nation on Tuesday, the police boss assured both residents and the increased number of visitors who have flocked the town and its environs of their safety.

“We have put all measures in place and we shall be on duty round the clock during the festive season to ensure no ugly incidents occur especially from any criminal gangs,” he said. 

CRIMINAL GANGS

Mr Matu said criminal gangs prone areas such as Kivumbini, Flamingo, Kisulisuli, Kaloleni, Bondeni and Lake View will be on the police watch list.

“Such periods in the year are usually delicate and dangerous especially in matters security. As families and churches look forward to celebrating the festivities, criminal gangs also take advantage,” he noted.

He observed that hundreds of people are moving out of Nakuru while others are trickling in ahead of the celebrations.

“We’ve ensured that all areas are covered and officers will be on patrol in town and rural areas both at night and during the day.”

The police boss added that apart from residential areas and entertainment joints, police officers will man churches and social halls to ensure that Christmas and New Year celebrations are incident free.

WARNING

He warned the notorious gang popularly known as ‘Confirm’ that security personnel were aware of their activities and they would be dealt with ruthlessly.

“Most of its members have shifted to Railways, London and Hilton estates following consistent crackdown by the police,” he said. 

He warned that the gang will be smoked out of their new hidings as more police officers have been deployed to patrol the area.

At least 100 members of the criminal gang were arrested and arraigned in October after police laid an ambush and arrested them for planning to commit a felony.

The gang operates in Nakuru East, especially Bondeni estates, where residents claim they have devised new ways to evade police crackdown.

The gang is reported to attract teenagers who rob people on the road and break into houses.

The security authorities however dismissed claims that police officers are bribed to not arrest the suspects.