A police post in Mwea-West, Kirinyaga County, has been shut down due to unresolved rent arrears amounting to over Ksh.2 million. The closure has led to the transfer of six police officers, causing concern among local residents about security in the area.
The officers had been residing rent-free in a house provided by businessman Mwangi Thuita until his passing in 2018. Following his death, his family, led by his daughter Irene Njeri, instructed the officers to begin paying rent. However, payments were never made, leading to the accumulation of substantial arrears.
“Before my father died, he instructed the officers to start paying rent from 2018. The arrears have now exceeded Ksh.2 million, which is why we decided to reclaim our property and rent it out to others,” Njeri explained.
On the day of eviction, residents watched in shock as officers packed their belongings and moved them into a lorry. Many expressed concerns about the security vacuum left by the closure of the patrol base.
“Where are they going? They have greatly improved security here since 2016. What will we do now?” questioned Grace Wanjiru, a local resident.
Mwea West Police Commander Rashid Ali assured residents that law enforcement services would still be available, albeit from Rukanga police post, located four kilometers away.
The eviction has sparked debate over the financial obligations of police stations operating in privately owned properties. While police presence had been instrumental in curbing crime in the area, the failure to meet rent obligations has left the community vulnerable.
Local leaders have called for government intervention to ensure police units have adequate funding to sustain their operations without burdening property owners. Meanwhile, residents remain anxious about potential security threats in the absence of immediate law enforcement presence.
As the officers relocate, the community hopes for a swift resolution that balances the rights of property owners with the need for continued security in Riandira.
