‘We sleep with one eye open’: Githaraini residents count losses as road upgrade fuels livestock, macadamia theft

The residents claim criminals are taking advantage of the improved road network to steal livestock and farm produce before making quick getaways.

Speaking to the media, residents led by Susan Muthoni, Alice Waruguru Kinyua and Beatrice Wangui Kariuki said the suspects often flee into a neighbouring county, making it difficult to track them down.

They are now calling on the government to install street lights and increase security patrols, especially at night.

"The tarmacked road is a good development, but thieves are taking advantage of it," the residents said.

Alice Waruguru Kinyua recounted how thieves driving a Toyota Probox allegedly stole two of her cows from her homestead along the Piai–Njukiini road.

"They stole two cows and escaped immediately after I raised an alarm. They had also come back for a calf they had left behind, but when I screamed for help, they abandoned it and fled," she said.

Susan Muthoni said residents have endured sleepless nights since the road was upgraded.

"We appreciate the road because it has brought development to this area. We were told it would transform Gichugu, and indeed it has. However, livestock thieves and macadamia thieves are now giving us sleepless nights," she said.

Beatrice Wangui Kariuki said residents recently thwarted an attempted theft after setting a trap for the suspects.

"They come almost every day to steal livestock and harvest avocados from our farms. They even stole a cow belonging to a disabled woman who depended on it for milk," she said.

Kariuki added that the nearby Njukiini Forest has become a hideout for the suspects.

"Whenever we pursue them, they run into the forest. They are taking advantage of its proximity. Something must be done because they are also harvesting beans from our farms," she said.

The residents are urging security agencies to enhance surveillance and strengthen patrols in the area to curb the rising cases of theft.