The business community in Embu Town on Wednesday held protests over surge in insecurity as criminal gangs reign terror in the town and its environs.
The protest was sparked by a spate of robberies that have taken place in less than a week where close to 10 business premises have been broken into and looted.
The latest incident took place on Tuesday night where a mobile phone and accessories shop was broken into and assorted phones stolen leaving the owner counting a huge loss.
The residents turned the heat on security organs over laxity as criminal gangs turned the town into a “gangsters’ paradise” according to Embu Town Business Community Chairman Emilio Mungatana.
He said it was unfortunate that after all those incidents, no action had been taken by authorities in terms of tracking down the gangs and increasing patrols.
In a bold display of frustration, demonstrators barricaded the Embu-Meru Highway and lit bonfires, demanding urgent intervention.
They claimed that instead of carrying out patrols, many security officers were more focused on collecting bribes from bars and wines and spirits establishments.
Additionally, the traders called for immediate transfer of police officers who have served in Embu for over five years, arguing that long-serving officers had lost touch with the community and were no longer effective in combating insecurity.
The protesters also raised concerns over the recent dismissal of Municipality Sub-Location Assistant Chief Jackson Kamau, whom they praised as instrumental in curbing crime in the area. They called for his immediate reinstatement.
Attempts by the Embu West Security Committee, led by Deputy County Commissioner Mercy Gatobu and OCPD Zachary Ammue, to calm the agitated crowd proved futile, as the protestors vowed to continue pressing for reforms.
By Samuel Waititu
