By Murugi Ndwiga, Eastern Region
Embu town was rocked by protests on entire part of Wednesday 28th, as traders took to the streets to demonstrate against the growing wave of insecurity that has gripped the region.
This follows a daring overnight break-in on May 27th, where a gang of over 10 people made away with mobile phones and accessories worth close to one million shillings from a local shop.
The Embu Municipal Business Community is now sounding the alarm, saying they are fed up with what they describe as the authorities’ failure to address the rising crime. More than 10 businesses have been broken into within just a week, sparking fears and anger among local entrepreneurs.
Speaking to the press, the Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Embu Chapter, Mugo Mate, strongly condemned the security lapse and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the transfer of all police heads who have served in Embu for more than five years.
“It is disturbing to witness security officers sleeping on the job while business owners are losing their livelihoods. If the national and county governments do not act swiftly, we will be forced to take the law into our own hands,” Mate declared.
Former Kirimari Ward MCA, Morris Nyaga, echoed these sentiments, warning that the spate of robberies is crippling business operations and putting lives at risk.
Martin Muchira, a businessperson in the boda boda sector, also raised concern over the deteriorating security situation. “Boda boda operators are losing their motorcycles and, worse, their lives. If this continues, Embu will soon become a paradise for criminals,” he warned.
The traders are demanding urgent intervention from both the county and national governments to restore order, warning of further protests and self-policing if action is not taken.
As tensions simmer, Embu residents and business owners are left hoping that the authorities will finally address the rampant insecurity before it spirals further out of control.