The Muslim community in Nakuru has voiced alarm over the rising insecurity in the region, urging swift action from local authorities to curb the crime and restore public safety.
Religious and political leaders have condemned the recent surge in criminal activities, including robberies, muggings, and vigilante attacks, that have left residents in fear.
In one month, Nakuru City has reported 8 robberies, 5 involving murders, with a gang using an AK-47 targeting M-Pesa shops and businesses.
The leaders, during the Eid Ul-Adha prayers at Afraha Stadium, also raised concern over the growing presence of vigilante groups operating with impunity in Nakuru City.
Biashara Ward MCA Fadhili Msuri criticized the emergence of vigilante groups, accusing them of taking the law into their own hands under the guise of restoring order.
“This is very wrong. We know the work of restoring order and security is a function of the legal security agencies,” Fadhili said.
He added that he had lodged a formal complaint with County Commissioner Lyford Kibaara and County Police Commander Michael Mwaura, urging them to act swiftly.
The MCA alleged that a powerful individual is backing the vigilante groups, who he claims have been harassing businesspeople and attacking street children and families.
Former Nakuru Mayor Mohamed Suraw echoed the concerns, calling on security agencies to act diligently in response to a rise in armed robberies, murders, and unlawful militia activity.
On Tuesday night, a homeless man was reportedly attacked and left for dead near the Ngata 2NV stage by a group of vigilantes armed with clubs and whips.
Joshua Wanjala, leader of a vigilante group based in Nakuru Town West, defended their actions and denied claims they are criminals.
“We presented ourselves to the County Government of Nakuru and there we got the go ahead to help bring back sanity to our streets,” Wanjala said in an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu – Nakuru.
He alleged that local business owners had repeatedly reported insecurity to authorities but received no response, prompting them to “take the law into their own hands.”
However, Nakuru County has distanced itself from the group. Trade Executive Stephen Kuria denied any meeting between the vigilante group and Governor Susan Kihika or any other county officials.
“The County Government of Nakuru has a fully functioning and operational enforcement office which it uses to carry out its mandate,” Kuria said.
He revealed that the local police boss had already taken up the matter and launched investigations into the said emergence of the vigilante groups, and their activities.