MP raises alarm over man terrorising women and traders in Kirinyaga

The locals claim the man, identified as Alex Chomba, has terrorised the village for more than four months, despite numerous reports to local authorities.

One of the alleged victims, Jane King’au from Giakibore village, said she sustained injuries to her left breast after Chomba allegedly bit her while she was in Karaini.

The matter came to light after Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari publicly called on security agencies to take action against Chomba, whom he accused of terrorising residents and traders.

Gitari said Chomba has also been drinking in local bars without paying, harvesting avocados from farms and taking meat from butcheries without paying, while allegedly threatening traders who challenge him.

The list of alleged victims was read by the lawmaker in the presence of Kirinyaga Central Deputy County Commissioner Josephine Mwangi.

Among those affected is Wanjiku Karubio, who claimed Chomba took her cow and goat and told her there was nowhere she could report him.

Another trader, identified as Karimi, said he sustained head injuries after Chomba allegedly stormed his butchery armed with a knife, demanded meat and fled.

Karimi claimed Chomba returned the following day and harvested and sold avocados from local farms.

Residents further alleged that Chomba once cut the hand of a local primary schoolboy and was not arrested. They claimed he later threatened to kill the boy’s mother after she reported the incident.

“What kind of village is this?” resident Kinyanjui posed.

Residents said women are now forced to return home as early as 5 p.m. for fear of being attacked.

They further claimed that although they have recorded statements at Karaini Police Post, Chomba has continued to intimidate police officers, chiefs and assistant chiefs.

“He has been emerging from bushes for the last four months. We have been living in fear. He even threatened me after I reported the matter,” a resident told the MP.

Gitari said at least four people had been assaulted and recorded statements, but no action had been taken against the suspect.

“If this man, who has become a threat to society, is not arrested yet the matter has been reported, we will take the matter into our own hands,” MP Gitari warned.

The lawmaker directed the Officer Commanding Kagumo Police Station and local administrators to convene a public baraza to address the concerns surrounding Chomba, who residents say has left the village, leaving residents living in fear.