Iten Municipal Manager Felix Kirongo addresses the press after a security meeting with residents of Koisung'ur in Elgeyo Marakwet County. [Wycliff Kipsang, Standard]
The ‘people power’ best describes the latest strategy by residents of Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County to tame the surge in cases of insecurity in the region.
In a move which is widely seen to be following the strategy that says security begins with you, the locals have taken it upon themselves to assure themselves of their safety.
With the help of local chiefs and members of the Nyumba Kumi, the residents have been holding public barazas where they air out their security concerns and propose solutions to the authorities.
The initiative has seen cases of insecurity drop significantly with the County Government enforcement officers in conjunction with security agencies recently managing to seize 200 cartons of illicit alcohol and 100 rolls of bhang.
The Standard attended one of the public barazas at Koisungur area in Keiyo North where members of the provincial administration and county officials listened keenly as locals highlighted their security concerns.
Among other issues, members of the public complained about the mushrooming of shops selling miraa in the area, which they claimed were harbouring criminals as one of the latest security concerns for them.
“We have been forced to close our businesses early for fear of being robbed by the thugs who hide in thickets behind the market. Cases of defilement of young children are also on the rise. The government should crack the whip and restore sanity," said Grace Kibet, a resident.