Strength in unity: Njoro residents clear river where bodies were found

There is tension in Piave, Njoro.

A thick cloud of fear patrols the quiet village causing women and children to hurry home early, as the men scratch their heads on how to keep their families safe.

All this, because three bodies of people known to this community, have been found in river Ndarugu in the last two months.

In a desperate move to end this trend and assume a sense of control , the residents on Tuesday embark on clearing bushes around the river.

These bushes they believe act as hiding grounds for the perpetrator (s) causing havoc.

When Mtaa Wangu arrived at the scene, both men and women, young and old are busy at work, using pangas and slashers as their tools of trade.

Branch by branch they clear the bushes and overgrown trees, taking pauses to inspect the job done while admonishing anyone seen to be lazing around.

This, a perfect example of a community brought together by fear and a deep need to reclaim their village.

“We need these bushes to be cleared and the riparian land to be demarcated. This is our message to whoever is doing this that we will flash them out,” Dickson Ogamba, a resident says.

Another resident, introducing himself as Rev. Wamugunda reveals how the insecurity thrives even as Sunrise police post exists less than 200 metres away, questioning the laxity of the police.

“We need the police to help us. It is sad that no one has been arrested since the first murder,” he says angrily.

The issue of lack of street lights also comes up as one is at the tarmacked road and the next about two kilometres away, leaving the stretch near the river dark at night.

Josephine Kairu fondly known as Mama Njoki while explaining the gravity of the situation says this route is the only one for those going to work in Njoro, thus they can’t avoid it.

“Women are being killed as they go to fend for their families yet no one seems to care. It is very painful,” Mama Njoki says choking on emotions.

As for Peter Gatitu, a boda boda rider, he and his colleagues are now forced to go home early in fear of being the next victim.

“We want the police officers here to be transferred and a fresh batch brought in. They are not helping us. We would rather hire vigilantes to protect us,” a visibly angry Gatitu tells Mtaa Wangu.

As the residents disperse to go back to work, their helplessness in the face of the darkness claiming innocent lives is visible.

For now, they lean on each other, finding solutions to stay safe as faith in the police and local leaders dwindles.