The Government has dispatched a special team to investigate the skirmishes that rocked Siakago town in Embu County on Monday and Tuesday between residents and muguka traders from Meru.
The clashes led to massive destruction of property and injuries to scores of people.
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku assured residents that perpetrators of the violence would be held accountable as the Government gets to the root cause of the flare-up.
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with locals at the area DCC’s grounds, CS Ruku also issued a stern warning to public servants, including police officers, who may have played a role in the chaos either through commission or omission.
“No one will be spared. Any officer found to have abetted or ignored these crimes will face the full force of the law,” Ruku warned.
This follows revelations from locals who said they have made numerous reports to the police with regard to rampant cases of theft that have rocked the area for months with no action being taken.
The clash is said to have been sparked by the theft of motorcycles, with locals pointing an accusing finger at the Meru traders for being behind the theft, leading to the skirmishes.
CS Ruku condemned rising corruption within the police ranks, expressing concern over allegations that officers have been demanding bribes from locals seeking their services.
“This is unacceptable. Public officers are entrusted to serve the public with integrity, not to extort citizens,” he said.
His remarks came after local residents recounted troubling experiences, including bribery demands when reporting thefts and other crimes.
Businessman Peter Mutiru, whose hardware store was among those destroyed, claimed CCTV footage showed police officers shielding the attackers. He lost close to 5million in the chaos.
The newly formed investigation team is expected to begin work immediately. Locals expressed optimism that the probe would deliver justice and help restore trust in law enforcement.
Ruku appealed to the community to maintain peace and unity, stressing that social cohesion is essential for the area’s development and security.
By Samuel Waititu
