Traders lose Sh5m to robbers in one week

Nilesh Patel, a businessman based in Kakamega, points at bullet holes on his lorry after his workers were attacked by armed robbers. They made away with Sh400,000 at Eshikoti area along the Kakamega- Nambacha road. [PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/STANDARD]

Increased insecurity in Kakamega town has left the business community counting losses estimated to be worth Sh5 million in a span of one week.

Mwalimu Mahendra, the spokesman for the traders said they are worried about survival of businesses in the town following the attacks, especially in this festive season.

"Insecurity has increased in the recent past. Most traders now feel insecure because the attacks are happening daily," said Mr Mahendra while speaking to journalists in Kakamega town yesterday.

He cited a recent robbery where a salesperson working for Mitra Enterprises was shot dead by robbers who took off with Sh1 million, in the presence of security officers.

Mahendra said he was also attacked at his home, where he lost several items. In most cases, the robberies are happening in daytime and in the presence of security officers.

  Security act

"We are being attacked just next to security officers. Instead of fighting the robbers, they hide from the thugs who sometimes are armed with AK47 rifles," he said.

Nilesh Patel, the owner of Sahajanand Enterprises said his workers were attacked yesterday by armed thugs who shot his driver and stole more than Sh400,000.

"They shot the driver in the chest. He was rushed to the county general hospital, then referred to Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret for specialised medical attention while in critical condition," said Mr Patel.

He trusts the new security laws recently assented to by the President will help curb insecurity in the country.

He says the current law allows murder suspects to be released on bail, thus threatening the lives of witnesses.

"I am hopeful the new law might change things in the country and enhance security for the business community. Suspected thugs who are released on bail continue to undermine the security of the citizens," he said.

Disciplinary action

County deputy commissioner Mwongo Chimwaga admitted that insecurity levels have risen in the last past two weeks.

He warned security officers against laxity while responding to threats, saying they risk being sacked.

He said officers who were guarding Post Bank, Equatorial Commercial Bank, Safaricom Centre and other premises around the scene where Mitra's salesman was attacked may face disciplinary action.

"Security officers who do not want to respond to distress calls from Kenyans risk being removed from the service. We condemn the officers who were around the scene of the attack and did not respond immediately," said Mr Chimwaga.

He called on traders to always engage the services of security officers whenever they are carrying out banking transactions," he added.

Some of the enterprises that have recently been attacked include Mitra enterprises, Sahajanand, Khetia Drapers and Mwalimu wholesalers.