By: Denis Mutua
Tharaka North Sub County police commander Gabriel Kimanzi Mwangangi has denied alleged cases of school going children abduction and ambush in areas of Tharaka North Sub County by unknown people using numberless white probox.
Addressing members of press at his office, Kimanzi said no formal case has been reported to any security officer in the area concerning the on-going rumours of children ambush and abduction that has led to increased fear among parents and school going children.
“There are on-going rumours of children being ambushed and abducted on their way to school which has scared residents as they go about their daily activities. However there is no such a case that has been lodged in our offices formally and therefore we cannot confirm such incidences,’’ Kimanzi said.
The police boss therefore assured residents that security officers are on high alert and are working towards establishing the truth of the whole matter for the security of locals which is their core mandate.
He however asked residents to be vigilant on presence of new people around and new strange vehicles especially those with missing number plates and reports any case of suspected insecurity in Tharaka North.
Over the last three weeks, there has been an on-going rumour claiming that unknown people are marauding areas of Tharaka North such as Gaciongo Kamarenge and Mauthini ambushing school going children with an aim of abducting them.
This has led to fear and panic among residents, despite no case having been reported to security officers over the same.
The police boss therefore urged locals to remain calm as their security has been beefed up through night patrols to nab possible criminals and their rogue vehicles they might be using to terrorise innocent villagers.
Kimanzi also issued a stern warning to motorbike owners with missing number plates that they will conduct a crackdown and once arrested respective owners will be arraigned in court as such motorbikes are being used to carry out criminal activities.