Nakuru residents: This is what we expect from new police commander

Mr Michael Mwaura has officially taken over from Mr Samuel Ndanyi as the new Nakuru County Police Commander.

Mr. Mwaura was previously serving as the Sub County Police Commander in Juja.

Coming in to a position where he will be at the mantle of managing security in the entire county, Mr. Mwaura is no stranger to the job, having tackled high profile cases while at the helm in Juja, including that of a middle aged woman found murdered on January 17.

So what do Nakuru residents expect from the new police boss?

Ann Mwithaga says she hopes to see heightened security patrols and arrest of those who commit felonies.

"The most painful thing is that some of the people who commit day light robberies and muggings in estates like Manyani are known and when they are arrested they are almost instantly released. We would like to see these culprits brought to justice,” Ms Mwithaga states.

She also brings to the fore the rise of femicide cases in Nakuru, urging the police boss to look into it.

Simon Nasieku, a business leader in Nakuru says he would want the issue of burglaries in the city centre to be addressed.

“We have had numerous businesses being broken into in the last three months and I would like to urge the new police commander to increase police patrols in the city centre especially at night. Also unlike his predecessor, if he is found in a scenario where he has to adhere to court orders then he should do so without fail” he says.

Another resident, Hezron Okiki shares similar sentiments, adding that the issue of daylight robbery is rampant in areas of Rhonda and Kaptembwa.

“We would like to have regular barazas with the security apparatus especially in Nakuru Town West so that we can share our concerns while also informing them on areas where we feel they should focus on.”

“Also, if the new boss manages to enhance community relations with the locals, then it will enable the locals to share intelligence and this will help in keeping our neighbourhoods safe,” he adds.

In Rongai constituency, Allan Bosire a resident highlights the spate of murder cases in the area as being one of their major concerns.

“Just last week another body of a young girl was found in Kiamunyi, many of the residents here live in fear and we would really appreciate it if we got this issue sorted out once and for all. We would like increased patrols in our area to help deter those who may want to commit such violent acts,” he says.

Nyaituga Maina on the other hand notes that in the areas of Karandi in Mashini in the larger Pipeline area, there are hideouts that are used by criminals who terrorize residents overnight and in the day hide in those houses.

“We have tried to raise the issue several times with the authorities but the matter has never been given the importance it deserves, yet it continues to be a security risk for most the residents in this area,” he says.