Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Eliud Lagat has commissioned the Igare police station in Sameta Sub-County, Kisii County to improve public safety and efficiency of law enforcers in the region.
The facility, funded by the Bobasi National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) kitty, was opened in a ceremony attended by the officials from the National Police Service.
Speaking to the press after the event, Lagat lauded the area Member of Parliament, Innocent Obiri for spearheading the initiative, saying that it will not only enhance security, but also boost the morale of police officers working at the station.
“This has been a police post, but with the kind assistance from NG-CDF through the MP for Bobasi, we are very happy as the National Police Service to receive this beautiful building,” he noted.
The DIG also cautioned politicians and other members of the society against using the young people to propagate and advance criminal activities.
Lagat urged the community leaders to engage the youth in economic activities that can transform their lives so that they avoid engaging in crime.
“I want to call all people of goodwill, be it the political class, the religious groups, or any other class in the society to be mindful of this country and support the youth in positive activities,” he emphasized.
The DIG pointed out the correlation between alcohol, drugs and crime, noting that Sameta Sub-County had recorded a reduction in the use of illicit brew and drugs, leading to a reduced crime rate in the sub-county.
Nyanza Region Police Commander Gisiri Nyamohanga, who accompanied the DIG decried the increasing cases of gender-based violence in the region.
According to Nyamohanga, there were many cases of defilement and rape being recorded particularly among school-going girls leading to early teen pregnancies.
The regional commander urged the community to protect the girls and women, saying they represent the future generation.
“There has also been a lot of violence among men and women and we are asking the elders to embrace alternative conflict resolution methods because negotiation helps solve conflict,” she stressed.
The National Chairman NG-CDF Board Olago Aluoch encouraged the local community members to create a mutual relationship with the police officers so that they can receive the services they require.
Aluoch noted the board was currently funding the construction of police stations and police posts, but only after receiving approval from the Police Headquarters.
On his part, the area MP noted that his office had supported the construction of the police station to ensure the safety of the residents while they were conducting their businesses.
“The distance between this area and the nearest police station was a bit far and I thought of building this police station to serve the wider area of the lower part of Bobasi,” Obiri said.
He added the facility will provide a conducive environment for the police officers to conduct their work, thereby leading to high productivity.
The MP pledged to continue working closely with the police officers stationed at Igare and the community members to curb cases of crime.
Igare police station is the 35th to be commissioned in Kisii County as part of the National Police Service’s efforts to bring services closer to the people.
By Mercy Osongo
