Prison wardens accused of colluding with criminals

A prison warder carries handcuffs in his hand. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Prison wardens at Maranjau market in Maragua constituency are on police radar for allegations of colluding with ex-convicts in terrorizing the locals.

The details of the rogue wardens who have rented houses in Kiambamba market were laid bare during a security baraza, with accusations that they have bought motorcycles to three convicts to facilitate them in the distribution of drugs and engage in other criminal activities.

The meeting was convened by Murang'a South Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Boniface Gitonga and Maranjau Prison in Charge Stephen Ithanzu and attended by Maragua MP Mary Wamaua.

The locals painted a pale picture of the three wardens, giving details of how they have been operating.

The locals say they have been closing their businesses earlier than usual, for fear of being raided on by the said gang.

The meeting came after complaints from the public about the wardens' suspected relationship with a criminal gang.

Mr Gitonga and Ithanzu said they have information about the three former convicts as well as investigating the claims of their collusion with the prison wardens.

They said the former convicts were released from Murang'a, King'ong'o, and Mpeketoni prisons upon completion of their jail term and promised to take action against any warden who was found guilty.

"We have been investigating these people for a while now, only that investigations are done quietly. Your complaints have been heard and you will see changes and action soon. We don't allow such situations to escalate that far," said the DCC.

Mr Ithanzu said his office had received complaints made against three wardens, adding that appropriate punitive action would be taken.

"Five other wardens living in the shopping centres near the facility will be relocated back into the prison quarters, thus reducing their interaction with the public," said the prison facility in charge.

The MP on her part called for punishment of the trio for peddling drugs and abetting crime saying this has accelerated petty crimes such as theft of livestock and chicken.

"The bhang peddlers mingle with wardens at Maranjau prison and local officers at Kiambamba shopping centre, thus portraying a negative image of the public servants," the MP said.