Police put political goons on notice 

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat has warned political goons and criminal gangs that the government will not tolerate lawlessness.

Mr Lagat said security agencies have been directed to deal firmly with anyone involved in organised violence or criminal activities.

Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the new Moi’s Bridge Police Station in Uasin Gishu County, Lagat said there was no place for criminal gangs in the country regardless of their political or social affiliations.

“We have no space for criminal gangs and goons. Whether they are political goons, social goons or any other criminal gangs, they have no place in our society. We will arrest them and ensure they face the full force of the law,” warned Lagat.

The DIG said the National Police Service (NPS) would continue enforcing the law without fear or favour to safeguard lives and property.

He identified illicit alcohol and bhang as the leading contributors to crime and urged residents to assist security apparatus in eradicating the same. “If we do not eradicate alcohol and cannabis sativa, we will not have a society tomorrow. We risk losing future leaders, police officers and other professionals because of drugs and alcohol,” he warned.

Lagat disclosed that sustained security operations conducted over the past two months had restored calm in neighbouring Trans Nzoia County, prompting some criminals to relocate to parts of Uasin Gishu, including Moi’s Bridge.

He appealed to residents to volunteer information that would help security agencies track down and arrest the suspects.

Lagat also appealed to parents to nurture disciplined children saying moral upbringing was key to preventing young people from engaging in crime.

“Parents have a huge responsibility to guide their children so that they respect the law, respect others and avoid criminal activities both in school and in society,” he said.

The DIG praised the people of Moi’s Bridge for supporting the police, saying the improved security situation in the area was the result of strong collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies.

He said the commissioning of the new police station and establishment of the Soy Sub-County Police Headquarters would further strengthen security service delivery by bringing police services closer to residents.

Lagat announced that the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), who had previously been based at Kamukunji in Soy sub-county, would now operate from the newly commissioned offices in Moi’s Bridge on a full-time basis.

To boost police operations, the DIG handed over a new patrol vehicle to the officer commanding the police division, saying it would improve mobility and enhance response to insecurity incidents across the sub-county.

He further noted that NPS had established a fully fledged Directorate of Community Policing to deepen cooperation between the police and the public in preventing crime.

“The improved security we are witnessing today is because of the partnership between the police and the people. We will continue strengthening that partnership because security is a shared responsibility,” Lagat said.

He also commended police officers serving in Uasin Gishu and across the country for their dedication and professionalism, saying their commitment had earned public confidence and enhanced security.

Soy Member of Parliament David Kiplagat described the commissioning of the new police station as a major milestone in enhancing security and improving public service delivery in the constituency, pledging to work with the national government and the state department for housing to complete the remaining works, including the construction of a permanent perimeter fence and gate.

Kiplagat said he would engage the Ministry of Interior to replace the ageing asbestos-roofed police staff houses with modern units to improve the welfare of officers serving in the area.

“We will work with your office and the Ministry of Interior to replace the old asbestos staff quarters with modern houses and ensure the station has adequate water and other essential commodities,” he said.

The MP thanked President William Ruto for supporting the construction of the modern police station and the new Moi’s Bridge Market, saying the projects demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving security and public service delivery.

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei lauded Lagat for officiating the commissioning of the new police station and commended Soy MP David Kiplagat for spearheading its construction.

Shollei said the facility would enhance security and spur socio-economic development in the constituency.

“If there is no security, businesses cannot thrive, children cannot go to school safely and women cannot move around freely. This police station is a great achievement, and I congratulate the area MP for making it a reality,” she said.

Echoing the DIG’s concerns, Shollei urged the police to intensify the crackdown on illicit alcohol, warning that the vice was destroying the lives of young people and jeopardizing the future of the community.

“I plead with the police to help us eradicate illicit brews. They are killing our children and destroying their future. We cannot invest in development only to lose an entire generation to alcohol abuse,” Shollei emphasized.

by Fredrick Maritim