- According to the residents, armed robbers were taking advantage of security personnels' laxity to carry out frequent attacks.
- They castigated police for releasing under unclear circumstances suspects linked to robbery, illegal sale of alcohol and drugs.
Traders at the busy Naiberi trading centre in Uasin Gishu county have raised concern over rampant cases of robberies.
Until two years ago, the trading centre was strategic to run any kind of business as it is located on the busy Eldoret-Eldama-Ravine highway that connects Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Residents recently brought business to a standstill after they held demos over the robberies targeting traders on their way home and Mpesa shops.
Led by Collins Kosgey and Patricia Sawe, the residents called for the transfer of all police officers whom they said had overstayed in the area, some for more than two decades.
According to the residents, armed robbers were taking advantage of security personnels' laxity to carry out frequent attacks.
They castigated police for releasing under unclear circumstances suspects linked to robbery, illegal sale of alcohol and drugs.
The residents said a week ago, four armed gangsters raided a shop of a prominent businessman. They made away with Sh2 million after threatening to shoot him dead if he refused to cooperate.
“You cannot even dare carry your money to the house as the gang has planted their spies even among the police officers who are supposed to secure our lives and property,” claimed Sawe.
Caroline Kipyatich, another victim, narrated how they took more than Sh900,000 she had in her bag after threatening to kill. The attack happened moments after closing her grocery business at the centre in the evening.
“I had no option but to cooperate with the robbers who were armed with AK47 rifles so as to save my life. They took more than Sh900,000 from my bags. I begged them to spare my life during the ten-minute ordeal,” Kipyatich told the Star.
She said her neighbour, who also operates his business at the trading centre, is nursing injuries after he was attacked by the gang two weeks ago, while on his way from work.
Kipyatich said the gang stole money from him and fled on a motorbike. She said police officers who were alerted about the robbery immediately, arrived one hour late after they had fled the scene. This raised concern over how they respond to distress calls.
The residents complained that police patrol not to protect the citizens and their property but to collect Sh200 from every business premises.
Residents claimed their main target was bar operators and those who sell illegal brews in the area.
Another trader Jane Kipyego recounted how she busted a man who deals in sale of bhang and alerted members of the public.
Residents then handed him over to police at the Naiberi police station with 14 rolls of cannabis sativa.
However, to their shock, the suspect was seen two hours later strolling the streets and continued with his illegal trade as he bragged how he was well connected with the police.