Cases of insecurity that have been on a sharp rise in Thika East sub-county are set to decline following opening of a new police station in the area.
The new Munyu police station in Gatuanyaga Ward was built by the area National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) and is set to enhance security in the region.
Speaking while commissioning the station in Thursday, Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a said that lack of proper police facilities in the area had seen insecurity cases skyrocket drastically.
She noted that criminals had turned the area into their hunting grounds, wrecking havoc and making locals live in fear.
The lawmaker noted that there have been rampant cases of livestock theft, house break-ins, farmgate theft of produce as well as muggings and other petty crimes adding that the vices will not be a thing of the past.
“For years, our people have been terrorised by criminals who steal their livestock, injure and maim them. This facility will bring a solution and help flush out all criminals from this region,” she said.
Ng’ang’a noted that she will engage the Ministry of Interior to have more police officers deployed in the area as well as have more police vehicles purchased for the station to boost patrols and enhance security for locals.
“Once we get more officers and vehicles to ease their movement, Thika East will be more secure and this will create a conducive environment even for more settlers and investors. We are already improving this area’s road network through the tarmac king of the Gatuanyaga-Munyu-Komo road to ease mobility across villages in this region,” the MP said.
Bishop David Ngari alias Gakuyo who joined the lawmaker in the event noted that besides enhancing security, the new police station will help rope more developments in the semi-arid region.
Gakuyo, who is set to contest for the Thika Parliamentary seat, quipped that Thika East has been lagging behind in terms of developments for a long time with insecurity being one of the factors undermining developments.
“Time is ripe for Thika East to enjoy the developments it deserves. Our MP has been leading from the front and we can attest to this with projects such as the police station, roads, school infrastructure among others,” Gakuyo said.
Residents led by elder Ng’ang’a Wanjukira termed the project as a shot-in-the-arm that will make the region a safe haven for locals and investors. He averred that they have lived for long at the mercies of criminals who have been terrorizing them day and night.
A month ago, thugs broke into his home at night and stole his eight cows after killing one of his workers.
“The situation was getting out of hand. I am a victim of the insecurity after the criminals killed my worker and made way with eight of my cows. These criminal activities have impoverished many in this region. We are however grateful that security will be beefed up,” Wanjukira said.
The locals also petitioned their leaders to consider installing security lights in the villages as a way of enhancing security.
