Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the deployment of a special police unit tasked with dismantling criminal gangs responsible for a wave of robberies and violence that has rocked Embu town.
Speaking to residents during a Friday evening visit, the Deputy President declared that the government will not allow criminal elements to destabilize the region.
“A special team has been deployed here to flush out the criminals who have terrorised residents. Their days are numbered,” Kindiki said, assuring locals that security will be restored.
The move follows mounting public outcry, including protests by the business community earlier in the week. Traders took to the streets on Wednesday after nearly 10 shops were broken into in less than a week, with the latest incident involving a mobile phone store looted on Tuesday night.
Kindiki confirmed that the Quick Response Team (QRT) is already on the ground and operating under strict orders to neutralize the gang networks. He said the decision was reached after consultations with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
“We cannot allow any gang to take over the town. It is unacceptable for criminals to take the law into their own hands,” Kindiki stated.
In a further show of decisive leadership, the Deputy President ordered the reinstatement of Town Chief Jackson Kamau, who had earlier been relieved of his duties under unclear circumstances.
Kindiki warned that civil servants must remain apolitical in service delivery, and those using their offices for political gain would face disciplinary action.
The embattled Embu business community has welcomed the crackdown, urging the security teams to act swiftly and decisively.
