By A, KNA
Residents of Iten Municipality have raised alarm over increasing level of insecurity and theft of public installations, even as three suspects were recently apprehended with stolen items in Iten town.
Municipal Manager, Felix Kirongo, revealed that even government installations have not been spared, citing frequent incidents of theft reported by the contractor building the Iten market under the Affordable Housing Programme.
He further noted that thieves have been targeting garages and road signage, endangering the lives of road users, before selling them as scrap metal to local jua kali artisans to make jikos.
“We are putting artisans on notice. If you are found with stolen signage or materials, stern legal action will be taken against you,” warned Kirongo.
The municipal boss urged security personnel to intensify patrols and take swift action against both the thieves and scrap metal dealers who provide a ready market for stolen items. “This vice cannot thrive without a market. We must break the chain,” he added.
Residents shared experiences of the menace, with Nelson Kiprono, a matatu operator, narrated how he woke up at 5:00 a.m. after being alerted by a neighbour that his vehicle’s spare parts had been stolen overnight from the garage where it was parked.
Community members have appealed to authorities to demolish kiosks that they allege are being used by idle youths to hide and plan criminal activities.
Another resident, Robert Koech, urged police to step up night patrols, saying suspects are often found loitering in kiosks at midnight chewing miraa.
Kirongo praised residents for their vigilance, noting that during recent barazas, locals had resolved to report any suspicious individuals to the authorities.
The three suspects arrested were handed over to Iten Police Station for further investigation and possible prosecution.