The government has dispatched a special investigative team to Siakago Town in Mbeere North, Embu County, following a wave of violence that left several businesses razed and some residents injured in the two-day chaos.
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, speaking during a community meeting at the Mbeere North Deputy County Commissioner’s Grounds, assured residents that all perpetrators of the violence would be held accountable.
He issued a stern warning to public servants, including police officers, who may have played a role in the chaos.
“No one will be spared. Any officer found to have abetted or ignored these crimes will face the full force of the law. This is unacceptable. Public officers are entrusted to serve with integrity, not to extort citizens,” CS Ruku said.
He condemned rising corruption within the police ranks, expressing concern over allegations that officers demanded bribes, commonly referred to as a “pen or writing material”, before assisting crime victims.
The CS emphasised that the government has invested significantly in upgrading local institutions like the Siakago Police Station and would not tolerate misconduct or negligence by civil servants.
His remarks came after residents recounted troubling experiences, including bribery demands when reporting thefts and other crimes.
Businessman Peter Mutiru, whose hardware store was among those destroyed, claimed that CCTV footage showed the attackers being shielded.
He stated that he lost close to Sh 5million in the chaos.
The newly formed investigation team is expected to begin work immediately. Locals expressed optimism that the probe would deliver justice and help restore trust in law enforcement.
Ruku urged the community to maintain peace and unity, stressing that social cohesion is essential for the area’s development and security.
On Tuesday, during his visit to the area, CS Ruku condemned the unrest and pledged government support to residents affected by the violence.
He assured business owners that compensation would be provided to those whose enterprises were damaged or looted.
“We must not allow the actions of a few individuals to divide our community. Anyone involved in criminal activities in Siakago will be held accountable regardless of their background,” he said.
The violence, which began on Monday, has disrupted business operations, paralysed transport, and raised security concerns across the town.
