Busia County security team today engaged community leaders from Butula Sub-County to find a solution for increased crime incidences witnessed in the area in the recent weeks.
The Sub-County has lately experienced increases cases of thuggery and in some horrifying incidents elderly women have been raped and killed.
Speaking during the meeting held at Bumala on Tuesday, Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga urged local leaders to work closely with the security agencies in the Sub- County by providing vital information that can help wipe out the menace.
“Security agencies are here to serve you and it is your right to get good services. I want to ask the head of security to ensure the follow up of any issue that has been brought to their attention to the fullest so that necessary action can be taken up.” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Busia County Administration Police commandant Andrew Ndirangu who asked the leaders to engage their children on their behaviors and morals.
“We understand that many people who are involved in crime are our youth who are well known to us. I want to urge all of us to take action by speaking to our children so that they can have good morals. Before we think of police, let us try to engage with them as parents every time”
Busia County Police County Commander Ahmed Abdille asked the spiritual leaders to help offer guidance to the youth.
Abdille warned the public of against taking laws into their own hands warning that such action will lead to increased animosity and increased incidences of insecurity other than solving the issues comprehensively.
“If you suspect someone, provide that information to the police, but you should not take action by yourself. We have even witnessed that some of you want to fight officers when they come to rescue a situation. Such action cannot bring peace. We also want the church leaders to be actively involved in helping to solve this issue of insecurity. Let them use the pulpits to preach and as well to give mentorship and guidance to our youth.”
Community leaders led by Patrick Oduma blamed police officers for setting free suspected law breakers once they are arrested, an issue that the County Police Commander said is sometimes due to failure of the public to record the statements.
“If we make an arrest, we should get someone who records a statement. We cannot take someone to court if we don’t have evidence. The problem has been that you call officers to arrest and you don’t come to record statements and according to the law, it becomes difficult for this person to continue being held by the police,” said Abdille.
The leaders also said some police officers are colluding with the brewers by taking bribes as some are drunkard where they called for their transfers.
“Some of the police officers are working closely with the chang’aa brewers by collecting money from them and allowing them to do their business, said a member of the public calling for transfer of such officers.
They also urged the security team to increase the patrol in the sub county as they said many roads are not passable when darkness gets in.
“We used to see police vehicles patrolling and that helped to reduce cases of motorbike theft and attack on the people. Let’s have police patrols at night as this will even help to curb animal theft”.
By Rodgers Omondi