Security command centre to coordinate polling in Rift Valley

Security has been increased in Rift Valley ahead of Tuesday's election and a multi-agency command centre has been established for coordination.

Rift Valley regional commissioner Mohamed Maalim said on Wednesday the command centre will help coordinate and respond to issues that arise.

Joined by a multi-agency security team from across the region, Maalim said the command centre will make it easy for the public to reach security agencies.

"We have a hotline for the 14 counties in this region and these numbers will be operational 24 hours. The purpose is to allow members of the public to share timely information with our security agencies," Maalim said.

He cautioned those planning to hold any gatherings after the official closure of the campaign period on August 6 that they will be dispersed and met by the full force of the law.

GANG KINGPIN ARRESTED

The multi-agency security team handling the Confirm gang case has made significant gains in busting the criminals.

Nakuru county police commander Peter Mwanzo paraded the leader of the gang, 35-year-old Dickson Macharia Waithera, alias Diko.

Mwanzo said following intelligence by the multi-agency team, the suspect was arrested in Kivumbini, Nakuru Town East.

Waithera is said to be one of the leaders of the untouchable 'Royal Family' involved in wave of crime and drug dealing in Nakuru county.

The suspect is also believed to be one of the founders of the Confirm gang and was involved in recruiting inmates released from from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

"According to the intelligence we have, he coordinates a network of more than 200 young men who congregate in his residence every morning, collect drugs and distribute them within Nakuru. Drug abuse is one of the contributors to rising crime in Nakuru," Mwanzo said.

The police recovered proceeds of crime amounting to Sh5,000, bhang, opium, laptops and phones.

The suspect will be arraigned on Thursday.

Hotline numbers:

Regional Command Centre -0793100200

Nakuru - 0736350172

Laikipia - 0776451830

Bomet - 0741649294

Kajiado - 0772330690

Elgeyo Marakwet - 0742812034

Nandi - 0721895443

Uasin Gishu - 0732999567

Kericho -0732999485/0786719663

Turkana - 0115556221

Baringo - 0120400358

Narok - 0721974715

Samburu - 0718627279

Trans Nzoia - 0742037383

West Pokot - 0798314955

(Edited by V. Graham)