Khaniri raises red flag over surge in crime during curfew

Vihiga Senator George Khaniri has raised the alarm over increasing insecurity in the country despite the curfew.

He said most Kenyans expected an improvement in security as nobody would be allowed outside except security officers.

"There has been a number of robbery incidents all around Kenya and Vihiga is no exception," he told the Star on the phone.

Khaniri demanded action by Inspector General of Hillary Police Mutyambai. He accused security officers of being behind some of the crimes. He cited trading centres in Vihiga as some of the most hit areas. 

The lawmaker said he would seek clarification from the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations concerning increased burglaries and general insecurity.

 On April 14, three suspected robbers were killed by a mob in Chandumba village. Ten days later, three separate killings happened in Chamakanga, Busali ward. 

"The same month, two more people were killed and robbery incidents happened in Shamakhokho and Mago,” Khaniri said.

In Mudete, a businessman was robbed of Sh100,000 goods. More killings have been witnessed in Maragoli, North Vihiga, and Sabatia.

Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi urged Vihiga residents not to take the law into their own hands.

"More than 10 theft suspects have been lynched," Saisi said.

"These people work in a network so it will be better we apprehend them for investigations to know who they are working with."

He urged security agencies to respond swiftly and arrest the situation and avert further killings.