Residents of Satellite, Kaptembwo, decry increase in insecurity during festive season
Peter Maina shows his hand where he was injured after thugs descended on him on December 10, 2023.
Peter Maina, a resident of Satellite painfully narrates how he was hit by wood on his back four times till he collapsed.
Mr Maina says, “In the midst of a national blackout on December 10, chaos descended upon me at 10pm. I had just alighted from the motorbike when five assailants, wielding wooden weapons, attacked me and the cyclist.”
Mr Maina narrates that the cyclist was only slapped. Sadly for him, he was beaten four times with the wood on his back.
“While on the ground, I was forced to surrender everything; my watch, phone and Sh 5,800 cash.”
Maina says he was admitted to hospital for four days.
Another victim, Julius Daniel who also lives in Satellite says, “A few days ago, a group of five thieves jumped over our gate and shattered doors intruding not only my house but also that of my two neighbours."
Daniel expresses that the thieves who were brazen and swift, ransacked the three houses, making off with prized possessions, TV’, fridges and phones.
Mr Maina laments, “What hurts the most is reporting to the police officers and nothing gets done as this unsettling incident leaves the community on edge wondering who shall protect us.”
A maize cob blocks water from pouring after a water meter was stolen by unknown people.
Susan Wangui from Kaptembwo complains about an unusual surge in theft during the festive season. As she laments that thieves are not content with the typical targets; they have now escalated in stealing taps, meters, pegs, clothes and even shoes.
Ms Wangui says, “I cannot recall the number of times this December I have had to replace taps. It is so bizarre how nobody gets to hear the commotion but wakes up to no tap.”
One of the water pipes remain without a tap after thieves stole it.
“As a community, we are puzzled with disbelief as one is even afraid to travel to upcountry, as it is clear that this festive season was marked by an unprecedented level of criminal creativity,” she adds.
Wangui points out that the severity of the situation is thieves utilizing motorbikes with curved number plates, in an attempt to hide their identity.
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