Leaders and residents of Tindiret Sub-County have urged calm, unity, and stronger security measures following violent raids at Coffeeland Outgrowers Factory and Chebonet Coffee Mill that left three-night guards dead and large quantities of coffee beans stolen.
A consultative meeting held at Chebonet Coffee Mill brought together Nandi County Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, Nandi County Police Commander Peter Kirui, local administrators, factory officials, and community leaders to review the security situation and recommend measures to prevent further attacks on coffee facilities.
Muge termed the killings a painful loss to the entire county, noting the attacks had instilled fear among workers and farmers while threatening the region’s coffee industry, which supports thousands of households. She urged residents to unite and provide information to security agencies to help identify and arrest those behind the raids.
She also appealed to the national government to enhance security deployment in coffee-growing areas and ensure factories handling valuable produce receive adequate protection. Muge encouraged factory management to invest in modern security infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, better lighting, and alarm systems, to deter criminal activity.
Nandi County Police Commander Peter Kirui said investigations were underway, with police pursuing suspects believed to be part of organized criminal networks targeting coffee factories. Security patrols in Tindiret and neighbouring areas have been intensified, especially at night, to forestall further incidents.
Kirui cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information, noting that mob justice could undermine investigations. He emphasized that restoring peace and achieving justice for the slain guards required close cooperation between the police and the community.
Leaders and farmers expressed anger and concern over the rise in insecurity, saying the raids had disrupted factory operations and instilled fear among night workers. They warned that repeated thefts of coffee beans directly affect farmers’ income and could discourage continued investment in the coffee sector.
Several speakers called for strengthening community policing initiatives, including Nyumba Kumi, to improve coordination between residents, local administrators, and law enforcement agencies. Others urged factory management to reassess security arrangements with private guards and ensure personnel are well equipped and supported.
Leaders further appealed to local youth to reject crime and take part in protecting community resources, warning that increased insecurity would only worsen poverty and instability in the region.
The meeting concluded with a joint resolution to enhance collaboration between residents, private security providers, and government agencies to secure coffee factories and restore confidence among stakeholders in Nandi’s coffee industry.
By Sammy Mwibanda
