Embu: Residents of Embu Town and its environs have raised concern over increasing cases of car theft, burglary, and muggings, prompting security agencies to launch a major crackdown targeting suspected criminal gangs operating within the town and nearby estates.
According to Kenya News Agency, the residents say the cases have become frequent in recent weeks, leaving households and vehicle owners counting heavy losses linked to organized gangs that allegedly conduct surveillance before executing their operations, mostly at night. They warned that the worsening insecurity is putting both lives and property at risk and called on authorities to urgently restore order.
One of the victims, Lilian Rutere from the Airstrip area, recounted how she lost her Toyota Fielder two weeks ago under unclear circumstances. ‘I lost my car and reported the matter immediately, but up to now it has not been traced,’ she said. Rutere suspects the criminals monitored her home before carrying out the theft after her dogs were poisoned the night before the incident. ‘My dogs were poisoned and one died. I believe that is how they managed to access the compound,’ she added.
In another incident, Stella Njiru from Kangaru Estate lost her Mazda Demio on April 30 in what she described as a mysterious break-in. ‘The keys were inside the house, but they still managed to take them and drive away with my car from the parking bay,’ she said. Njiru claimed the gang could be using chemical sprays to subdue occupants since there were no signs of forced entry into her house. CCTV footage from her apartment showed the vehicle leaving the parking area at around 4.30 a.m. but failed to capture the person behind the wheel. ‘The car is seen leaving, but no one is visible driving it. That is what is confusing,’ she said.
The rising insecurity has also alarmed the business community, with traders warning that continued criminal activities could negatively affect economic activities in Embu Town. Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Embu Branch Chairman Mugo Mate said the deteriorating security situation was making it increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to run businesses smoothly. ‘It is unfortunate that insecurity in Embu is deteriorating by the day. Security agencies must urgently restore order so that businesses can operate without fear,’ said Mate.
He also criticized the County Government for failing to install and maintain adequate street lighting, arguing that poorly lit areas had contributed significantly to the increase in crime. Mate warned that traders could consider withholding taxes and levies paid to the county government if the matter was not addressed urgently. ‘I do not see why the County Government of Embu should continue collecting large sums from business people yet fail to guarantee their safety,’ he said. He described Embu Town as unsafe at night, especially for women and young girls who frequently fall victim to muggings involving theft of phones, handbags, and other valuables.
In response to the growing concerns, County Commissioner Maurice Wanyonyi announced the activation of a sting security operation aimed at restoring order within Embu Town and surrounding areas. Speaking after attending a stakeholders’ meeting between the Kenya Revenue Authority and traders in Embu Town, Wanyonyi said a multi-agency security team had been formed to conduct coordinated patrols and operations. ‘We will be conducting continuous patrols across all areas in and around Embu Town to combat the rising wave of crime,’ he assured. The commissioner appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help track down criminals. He also advised vehicle owners to avoid sharing car keys with unauthorized persons and to refrain from parking vehicles in poorly lit areas.
