Residents of Riandira in Mwea-West, Kirinyaga County, were left in disbelief as police officers stationed at the local patrol base were evicted over a Ksh.2 million rent arrears dispute. The closure of the post has sparked fears over security gaps in the area, with locals now relying on a station four kilometers away.
The Riandira Police Post, which had been operational since 2016, was housed in a private property owned by the late businessman Mwangi Thuita. Before his passing in 2018, Thuita had reportedly instructed officers to start paying rent, a directive that was allegedly ignored. Over time, the unpaid dues accumulated, forcing his daughter, Irene Njeri, to reclaim the premises.
“My father made it clear that rent had to be paid after his death. Since 2018, the officers have stayed here without paying a single cent, and the arrears have now ballooned to over Ksh.2 million. We had no choice but to take back our property,” Njeri stated.
The eviction unfolded dramatically, with six officers loading their belongings onto a lorry under the watchful eyes of stunned residents. Many locals expressed their concerns, fearing a rise in crime due to the absence of a nearby police presence.
“We feel abandoned. The officers have been crucial in curbing insecurity, especially livestock theft. Now, criminals might take advantage of this situation,” lamented Joseph Wanjohi, a local resident.
Mwea-West Police Commander Rashid Ali confirmed the closure but assured the public that security operations would continue from the Rukanga Patrol Base, four kilometers away. However, locals argue that the distance could slow emergency response times.
Further complicating the matter, Njeri also revealed that her late father had donated land for a permanent police post, which remains undeveloped. “If nothing is done, we might be forced to reclaim that land too,” she warned.
The incident sheds light on the broader issue of police stations operating from rented premises due to inadequate government infrastructure. While authorities scramble for solutions, the people of Riandira are left wondering how safe their community will be in the coming days.
