Kwale: Kwale County Commissioner (CC) Stephen Orinde has promised zero tolerance to crime in the coastal county. Orinde stated that hundreds of policemen have been deployed to different parts of the coastal county to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
According to Kenya News Agency, the assurance comes amid the backdrop of attacks by machete-wielding gangs on residents and business premises in Diani municipality. The notorious gangs referred to as 'Panga boys' have for long been unleashing terror in Kwale sub-counties, with Msambweni and Matuga being among the worst affected.
Orinde, who is also the Chairman of the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC), noted that police had identified some parts of the county likely to experience a breakdown of law and order and had taken necessary measures. Speaking in Diani municipality after meeting members of the business community, Orinde, who was in the company of the County Police Commander (CPC), Reginald Omaria, and Diani business community spokesperson Richard Onsongo, said enough police officers have been deployed in the tourism hub of Diani to conduct both foot and motorized patrols.
He advised the security personnel to be more professional in the performance of their duties to win public confidence and support. 'The police are out to protect us, and the public must cooperate with them in the protection of lives and properties,' said Orinde. The CC called on the public to volunteer information about criminals in their midst to enable the police to clamp down on them.
CPC Omaria said police remain committed to serving and protecting the public and urged everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. 'We want the public to cooperate continually with the police and other security agencies by providing prompt and actionable information to prevent crime,' said Omaria. Omaria said several suspects linked to recent criminal attacks in Diani have been arrested and are assisting with investigations. He at the same time assured the Muslim community as they prepare for Eid-al-Fitr celebrations next week of enhanced security.