Fear and tension have engulfed Kandara in Murang’a County following a surge in violent attacks that have left two people dead and several others injured within just one week. Residents of Ithiru village and its surroundings have raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation, calling for urgent police intervention to restore calm.
The latest wave of insecurity has seen locals live in constant fear, with many closing their businesses early to avoid potential attacks. The victims of these gruesome incidents have been found brutally murdered, their bodies dumped in remote areas near rivers or thickets.
One of the victims, a popular chapati and mandazi vendor in Kandara town, was ambushed while heading home. His lifeless body was later found dumped near River Makindi, bearing deep cuts and severe mutilations. According to his family, the attack was senseless and unexplained, as he had no known disputes or enemies.
In another shocking incident, the body of a man identified as Jathan Chege was discovered in a thicket after suffering similar injuries. The killings have sent shockwaves across the community, especially because the attackers do not appear to steal from their victims. Money, phones, and other valuables are often left untouched, leading residents to question the motive behind the violence.
Locals have reported several other attempted attacks, including an incident where a man was seen dragging a woman into a thicket before fleeing when alarmed by passersby. Witnesses said the suspect escaped by diving into a nearby river, heightening speculation that the assailants may be operating as an organized group familiar with the area’s terrain.
The rise in insecurity has prompted widespread protests, with residents demanding swift action from security agencies. They have called on the authorities to increase night patrols, arrest the perpetrators, and restore a sense of safety that has rapidly eroded.
Police in Kandara have confirmed that investigations are underway. Officers are following key leads to determine whether the attacks are being carried out by a single individual or a coordinated gang. Residents have been urged to remain calm and assist law enforcement by providing any information that could aid in tracking down those responsible.
For now, fear continues to grip the once-peaceful community of Kandara, as locals await justice and the return of normalcy amid the growing wave of insecurity.
