By Murugi Ndwiga, Embu
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku has ordered the immediate transfer of the Siakago OCPD, OCS, DCIO, and Officer Commanding Crime, following violent demonstrations in the area that left a trail of destruction.
Speaking during a visit to Siakago town, in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County, CS Ruku revealed that the directive came directly from President William Ruto who expressed regret over the events of Monday, August 11, where protests spiraled into chaos, resulting in businesses and property being torched.
“I am here to deliver a message from President Ruto and his deputy Professor Kithure Kindiki. They have instructed me to oversee the immediate transfer of key police officers in Siakago. They are deeply concerned about what happened and have sent their sincere regrets to the residents affected,” Ruku said.
The CS confirmed that the redeployment of the senior officers would take place without delay. He explained that the decision to overhaul the local police leadership was driven by the failure to contain the protests, which escalated into violent confrontations and property destruction.
In a move aimed at assessing and addressing the damage, CS Ruku instructed Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuor to compile a full report on all losses incurred during the unrest. He said the government wanted a detailed account of every business that was destroyed, the properties that were torched, the vehicles that were damaged or stolen, and the individuals whose homes were attacked. He also emphasized the need to document any Muguka farms that were raided and the quantity of produce lost, along with motorcycles reported stolen and their owners identified.
Ruku assured affected residents that the national government would provide support to help them recover and resume normal life. He stressed that every Kenyan has a right to do business and live peacefully without fear of attack or loss.
Turning to the Muguka trade, the CS issued a directive for the mandatory registration of all Muguka traders in Embu County through the County Commissioner’s office. He said this initiative is meant to eliminate illegal operations and protect legitimate Muguka farmers and traders. Traders in Siakago, Ugweri, and other Muguka hubs in the county are all required to comply.
To further support the Muguka sector, Ruku advised Muguka Farmers to create a Muguka SACCO, which he said would help improve the economic wellbeing of farmers and enhance access to credit and structured markets.
On matters of security, Ruku also ordered the registration of all boda boda operators in Siakago. He instructed them to elect their own leadership, including chairpersons and executive officials, to represent their concerns, particularly in cases involving theft, extortion, or harassment. He acknowledged that many of the recent protests were driven by anger over the increasing cases of motorcycle theft, which have left many operators vulnerable and frustrated.
Issuing a firm warning, the CS called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those who participated in torching businesses and destroying property during the protests. He also directed security agencies to investigate and arrest any law enforcement officers who might have accepted bribes to allow the criminal activities to take place, warning that such individuals would be dismissed from service.
He further warned those trying to take over Muguka businesses illegally that they would face immediate legal action. According to Ruku, the government will not tolerate individuals or groups attempting to intimidate or displace legitimate business owners for personal gain.
Expressing his sympathy for those who lost property, the CS condemned the violence and destruction witnessed during the demonstrations. He urged residents to maintain peace and unity, emphasizing the need to live together as brothers and sisters and assuring them that his ministry, along with national leadership, would work to ensure stability and normalcy return to Siakago. On their part, residents of Siakago raised several grievances, which they say have been ignored for too long.
They accused a specific group of arming themselves and allegedly intimidating and assaulting members of the unarmed Mbeere community.
“There is an influx of young people, mainly from the a nearby region, who do not possess identification documents. They come and invade our land and property. They later intimidate and assault innocent and unarmed members of our community. Several reports have been filed at Siakago Police Station, but no meaningful action has been taken.” One community leader said. “
Accompanying the CS was Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi, who echoed the call for peace and unity. Mugambi condemned the criminal activities witnessed during the protests and said all perpetrators should be brought to justice.
“We must not allow crime to divide us. Let us live and work together as brothers. All those who torched businesses and destroyed property must be arrested and charged,” Mugambi said.
The demonstrations in Siakago were reportedly triggered by a surge in motorcycle thefts, prompting boda boda operators and residents to take to the streets in protest resulting in extensive damage to businesses, homes, vehicles, and Muguka farms. Several people were also injured during the Monday Protests.