Cases of rampant theft have been on the rise in Meru county’s main stage. On the morning of May 20, a driver of a Nissan matatu witnessed a man named Jasho being robbed while pinned to the ground.
When the driver attempted to intervene, his vehicle’s windows were smashed by a stone that was thrown by one of the suspects.
“On my way to work on May 20 at around 6:00 a.m. local Kenyan time, I came across a group of young men at a Kibanda. One of the men approached me and asked for money, but I told him that I didn’t have any because it was early.
“I kept walking until I was suddenly stopped by another man in front of me, who grabbed my coat and swung me around in the opposite direction. It was at that point that seven men pounced on me, stealing two phones and the money I had in my pocket.
“I was pinned to the ground when I heard a loud hoot from Ndichu’s vehicle. At the same time, he asked the men to leave me alone. Before fleeing, one of the men took a stone and threw it at Ndichu’s vehicle.
“They lowered their caps to cover their faces as they robbed me, so I believe they were afraid I would identify them. I couldn’t identify any of them,” said Mr. Jasho, the victim.
According to a resident, the incident, as well as the fact that it occurred on the Meru main stage, has angered many people.
Another resident said that recently, another victim of theft had car parts stolen in broad daylight. He claimed that ff the government was unable to carry out its duties, it should leave it in the hands of the public.
The driver of the vehicle whose windows were smashed said that the suspects were all about 22 years old, and the one who smashed his vehicle’s windows was the tallest of them all.
“His mouth was swollen on one side, indicating that he was chewing khat,” said the driver.
A member of a nearby carwash spoke on behalf of the carwash members and balmed the suspects for tarnishing their public image because it would be alleged that were present at the scene when the victim was attacked.
“Thieves nowadays do not steal at night, but rather in the early hours of the morning.
“A lady was recently robbed of Ksh 10,000 while on her way to the market. The robbery occurred near a lorry parking space. I would like to defend the members of the carwash by stating that they are not thieves and that we are recognized by the government.
“Take a good look at us; we have gun boots on and we have no idea who the thieves are,” he said.
