Rachuonyo North sub-county police commander Peter Walah with Homa Bay Supkem secretary Nuhu Omollo Masud during handover of a gate to Kendu Bay police station/Robert Omollo
A community-based organisation has donated a gate worth more than Sh90,000 to Kendu Bay Police Station to enhance security at the government facility.
The patron of Plant Tree for Better Environment (CBO), Nuhu Omollo Masud, said he donated the gate after realising that police officers at the station were exposed to security risks due to the absence of a gate.
He said youths had previously accessed the station during anti-government protests and hurled stones at houses occupied by police officers.
Mawego Police Post in Rachuonyo North Sub-county was also raided and burnt down by rowdy youths who were ferrying the body of the late blogger Albert Ojwang.
Nuhu Omollo Masud fuels a police car at a Kendu Bay fuel station in Kendu Bay town/Robert Omollo
Masud said he would not want a similar incident to occur at Kendu Bay Police Station.
"A closed gate will make it difficult for people with ill intentions to access the station. The gate will enhance security," Masud said.
Speaking during the official handover, Masud said the gate would also help protect more than 300 tree seedlings planted within the station compound after they were donated by the organisation.
The trees provide shade and contribute to environmental conservation.
He added that the gate would prevent livestock and stray animals from entering the compound and damaging the trees and other property.
Masud, who is also the SUPKEM secretary and vice-chairperson of the Interfaith Council in Homa Bay County, urged Gen Zs to channel their energy towards environmental conservation.
"I urge Gen Zs to refocus their energies on growing trees to curb environmental degradation. Planting trees is the best way of commemorating the 2024 Gen Z protests," he said.
Masud said he was inspired to work closely with the police after attending the Jukwaa la Usalama–Homa Bay Chapter public participation forum in Homa Bay Town.
The meeting was presided over by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
During the forum, Murkomen urged members of the public to work closely with the police and support them where necessary to improve service delivery.
"I also donated 100 litres of fuel to Kendu Bay Police Station because police officers sometimes lack fuel for their operations," Masud said.
Sub-county Police Commander Peter Walah commended Masud, saying the partnership had helped bring police services closer to the people.
He said the trees planted at the station were contributing to the implementation of President William Ruto's target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.
Walah called for more partnerships to support the development of the station.
"The gate has enhanced security at Kendu Bay Police Station. Apart from providing shade and conserving the environment, the trees will help mitigate the effects of climate change," Walah said.
Resident Nehema Ramadhan urged members of the public not to view the police as their enemies.
"Police officers also need our support to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. I urge residents not to fear them," she said.
