West Pokot leaders have raised an alarm over rising cases of mugging of residents, specifically those coming from withdrawing money from banks.
The leaders described the mugging as a new form of insecurity in Kapenguria township, noting the muggers were very specific, mainly attacking residents who are coming from visiting financial institutions.
Addressing the public during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations held at Makutano Primary School grounds, the leaders hailed security teams for having managed to contain the legendary insecurity of banditry, challenging them to look into the new form of after-withdrawal robbery.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin noted that there have been reports of several attacks on residents, calling on security agencies to intensify their surveillance to bring the perpetrators to book.
“We are concerned about these rising cases. Recently one of my staff was being trailed after withdrawing money from a bank but luckily managed to dodge; otherwise, they could have fallen victim to robbery,” said Kachapin.
He called on bank managers to work closely with security agencies such that in case there are any incidents of inside jobs exposing clients, perpetrators will also be arrested.
He commended the national government security personnel for their great efforts in ensuring peace and security prevail in the region especially along the borders where banditry had been painting the county as insecure.
“We take this opportunity to welcome the new County Commissioner, Mr David Saruni and ask him to organize his team to eliminate this upcoming security challenge of robberies from clients withdrawing money from financial institutions,” posed Kachapin.
The County Commissioner David Saruni assured residents of the government’s commitment to make the county a more secure place for investment.
Saruni, who is barely a month old in the county, called for collaborations from both the national and county governments for improved service delivery.
He said the new insecurity matter is on his desk and it will be dealt with expeditiously.
Majority Leader of the West Pokot County Assembly, Martin Komong’iro highlighted a recent incident involving a man who was followed by a suspect on a motorbike immediately after withdrawing money from a bank.
He said the victim grew suspicious and reported the matter, leading to the suspect’s arrest and subsequent transfer to a police station for further action.
The MCA further claimed that some of the robbers are suspected to be using a chemical substance to incapacitate their victims.
According to Komong’iro, the criminals apply the substance by touching their targets, causing them to fall asleep before they steal the victim’s belongings, including the withdrawn cash.
He questioned how the criminals know when individuals withdraw money, suspecting the possibility of collusion between some bank staff and the robbers.
In addition to the issue of public safety, Komong’iro also raised concerns about misappropriation of school funds.
He cited a case involving a school principal accused of misusing over Sh700,000, school money intended for education development.
He emphasized that funds allocated for school improvement must be used for their intended purpose.
By Richard Muhambe and Anthony Melly
