Traders protest over rising theft and break-ins in Kirinyaga

The traders, led by James Njoroge, James Mwaniki, Eunice Njeri and Monica Makena, said criminals have been targeting their businesses at night after they close their shops.

Frustrated by what they described as inadequate security, residents on Wednesday blocked the Karatina–Kerugoya Road for more than two hours, causing traffic disruption. They allowed only ambulances and cash transit vehicles to pass. The road was reopened after the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) met the protesters and assured them that action would be taken.

Monica Makena said thieves broke into her shop and stole all her merchandise.

"They stole everything and left me with nothing to sell," she said.

James Mwaniki, a clothes trader at Kiangai Market, said he lost 25 jackets after thieves broke into the sacks where he stores his stock overnight.

"We leave our merchandise in the market. I had 50 jackets in two sacks, and 25 were stolen. I am counting heavy losses," Mwaniki said.

James Njoroge, who operates a spare parts hardware business, said burglars broke into his shop and made away with all his stock despite the matter being reported to the nearby police post.

"I have been left with nothing. I don't know whether I will have to take out a loan to restart my business," he said.

Residents said the incidents have become increasingly frequent, with traders waking up to find their shop doors forced open almost every morning.

"The other day they stole all the medicines from a local chemist. They also stole goods from Pele's shop and cleared out Maina's M-Pesa business. We are living in fear because there is no adequate security," said resident Maina wa Zipporah.

Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander Julius Gaya acknowledged the traders' concerns and pledged to convene a public baraza involving local administrators and business owners to discuss measures to address the insecurity.

"We will hold a public baraza with the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) and the traders, just as we have done in other trading centres. We also urge residents to work closely with the police and share any information that can help us apprehend the suspects," Gaya said.

He also encouraged traders to consider hiring private night guards to supplement ongoing police patrols.