During the meeting, Thindigua residents raised alarm on 10 challenges, including a few officers stationed at Thindigua Police Post hence stretching them
Residents of Thindigua along Kiambu Road in Kiambu County have proposed stringent measures to curb the rising cases of insecurity that have seen four residential apartments attacked in the space of one week.
In the incidents, Mubea Apartments was revealed to have been attacked three times in 2024 whereas an insecurity incident at Arena Apartments led to a diplomatic woman being raped.
At Nellion Apartments, the security guard was attacked and injured by thieves while the same case happened at Bonita Apartment in the GG area, injuring the owners.
According to minutes of a meeting dated July 26, 2024, and sent to Viral Tea, the residents, in the meeting attended by the Inspector and Assistant chief, proposed that a private car be issued to the police when the patrol car is unavailable to attend incidents.
A residential apartment in Thindigua. /CITIZEN DIGITAL
Furthermore, the residents took note of improved communication, with all calls being responded to at any time.
Residents were advised to work together on security matters and advised to install nanny cams in their houses.
Furthermore, landlords were encouraged to install cameras in the apartments and for tenants to lock all doors and windows at night.
The proposals saw strict measures suggested, including the barring of garbage collectors from residential compounds and employment of outside residents by landlords at construction sites.
“Garbage collectors should not be allowed inside compounds as some might be surveying the apartments. Landlords should not employ outside residents in their construction sites to prevent attracting thieves.
“Landlords and project managers should vet all employees on construction sites. Residents should look out for each other and report any unusual activity,” the proposals read in part.
The apartment management was also tasked with ensuring that all security lights were working properly and that landlords should employ at least two security guards in all apartments at night.
Each apartment was asked to have a representative in the group and residents were proposed to contribute cash for the police patrol car fuel, though they contributed Ksh3,500 for fuel for the police patrol car for the weekend.
During the meeting, Thindigua residents raised alarm on 10 challenges, including a few officers stationed at Thindigua Police Post hence stretching them, however, it was noted that the matter can only be sorted after police recruitment.
They also decried the unavailability of a police patrol vehicle for the last two months pausing a big challenge to patrols and response time.
“Resource Shortage: Officers lack essential resources e.g.; the monthly fuel allocation is 20 litres per vehicle which is insufficient to do the daily security rounds. Non-functional Security Lights: Security lights along Thindigua Highway are not working due to unpaid bills by the county government,” read the statement in part.
Also cited was the inactivity of county government officers, with issues like unknown parked cars at the Tsavo parking area contributing to noise pollution, environmental concerns, and insecurity.
Other challenges cited include:
- Nyumba Kumi Initiative: The initiative is no longer active due to government changes.Â
- Support for Chief: The Chief and his administration need county government support to access apartments. The assistant chief highlighted the need for the apartment management support for access.
- Security in Apartments: The Assistant Chief suggested a ratio of 30 houses to one guard, the time of the attack is mainly between 11 pm to 4 am posing a risk.
- Lack of Security Measures: Most apartments lack security lights, CCTV, and electric fences, increasing vulnerability to theft.
- High-Risk Areas: Apartments near farms with Napier grass and empty lands are at higher risk. Landowners should ensure that they keep bush/Napier grass at a safe height so as not to provide thieves with a hiding place.
