By M, KNA
Kagumo OCS Julius Kiplimo has issued a stern warning to residents riding motorbikes without number plates, calling the practice a major contributor to insecurity in the area.
Speaking during a community meeting attended by local leaders and residents at Kagumo, Kiplimo said anyone moving around with an unregistered motorbike automatically raises suspicion and risks being treated as a potential criminal.
“Riding motorbike without a number plate exposes you. You cannot convince any enforcement officer that you are innocent when your motorcycle has no identification,” he said, urging riders who have misplaced their plates to report the loss immediately and obtain official abstracts instead of risking arrest.
Kiplimo emphasised that number plates serve as the primary identifier for motorbikes and are essential for tracing criminals who use unregistered bikes to commit offences.
The OCS praised local leaders for maintaining transparency and open communication with law enforcement, saying their cooperation has been vital in addressing emerging security concerns.
However, he stressed that identifying a problem is only the first step.
“After identifying an issue, we must solve it. We do not want blame games. Community Policing and Nyumba Kumi require genuine partnership,” he said.
He encouraged residents to approach his office directly with complaints instead of relying solely on informal reports.
“My office is open. If there is a problem, come and talk to me. Don’t say you informed the police while you never reached my desk,” he added.
Kiplimo also acknowledged receiving reports about alleged misconduct involving some officers stationed in the area.
He encouraged the community to identify those involved; assuring residents that action would be taken in line with police policy, including possible transfers.
“We don’t want to victimise anyone. Our goal is to transform our people and ensure a peaceful community,” he said.
The OCS stated that the primary security threat facing Kagumo remains drug abuse and trafficking.
He revealed that the police have already developed a new strategy targeting drug networks in the area.
“This week we began implementing our plan. We started by issuing warnings out of respect for our elders, but we will fight this menace and we will win,” he said.
He further revealed that police have gathered sufficient intelligence and vowed to act swiftly, promising visible results soon.
Kiplimo ended his address by assuring residents of continued collaboration with local leadership to eliminate insecurity and restore order in Kagumo.
Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament (MP) Gachoki Gitari, in a separate event, noted fresh fears over rising insecurity emerging in Kagumo town, calling for immediate action from security.
Kagumo, once known as one of the most peaceful towns in Kirinyaga County, is now grappling with new concerns that residents fear could erode years of stability.
“We will not allow Kagumo to go back to where it was. Those who preserve the safety of Kagumo are united, even the Boda community. Either you are a soldier protecting the people or you are a thief destroying this town,” the MP said.
He called on the National Police Service, particularly the Kagumo Police Station, to intensify efforts to restore order and address any internal gaps that allow criminals to operate freely.
The legislator also confirmed that the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kirinyaga Central Sub-county, Madam Josphine Mwengi, who chaired a security meeting to assess the situation would soon crack down on individuals implicated in destabilising the town, noting that community members have been asked to submit names of suspects or suspicious groups to the DCC’s office.
“Give Madam DCC the names of those people. Let her take action. Kagumo must remain peaceful,” he urged.
Community leaders now hope that stronger collaboration between residents, boda operators, and security agencies will safeguard the town from slipping back into insecurity.