Residents of Kabarnet town and its environs have been urged to forward crucial leads of suspected criminals in the society after the town experienced heightened cases of car theft.
Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi said that he has received numerous complaints from members of the public whose vehicles have been stolen in a span of two weeks within the municipality as well as other major towns within the county.
Cheboi speaking when he presided over International Women’s day celebrations held at Kabarnet National Museums grounds recalled the latest incident where two probox cars were stolen in the Kasoiyo area and another one near Kabarnet Police station.
He regretted that the daring criminals even dare to steal near a police line without fearing that they might get noticed.
The County boss said he has talked with the Baringo police commander and has promised to expedite investigations that will lead to their subsequent arrest and arraignment in court.
Governor Cheboi said the criminals were not strangers but people who know the area very well and properties owned by the locals.
“There is no thief who knows better than the neighbors who are around us, we must identify and forward their names to the police,” he said.
He challenged residents not to shield individuals with weird characters but forward them to the relevant authorities so that they can be dealt with accordingly.
The sentiments were shared by Baringo county assembly speaker Vincent Kemboi who noted that probox owners within the town are worried a lot and have even locked their cars inside their parking garage.
Kemboi said it is embarrassing that the once calm town is slowly turning into a paradise of car theft criminals.
“We will not allow a situation where vehicles are stolen anyhow at our doorsteps, let us forward information to relevant authorities so that we can end the vice,” he said.
Baringo Central sub-county police commander Muhalya Kola in her remarks noted that most streets and pathways within the town are in darkness and likely to be harboring such thieves.
She requested the governor to install security lights at strategic areas and streets in addition to other settlement areas to not only deter such criminal activities but also promote a 24-hour economy for traders.
SOURCE: KNA