You should respect us- Security guards speak out concerning mistreatment

 A Chancery security guard points at the spot where Charles Wachira Wangi lost his life after CMC Motors Group Ltd director Joel Kibe allegedly rammed into a security barrier where Charles was guarding.

Security guards have demanded respect, cautioning the public against treating them as second-class citizens.

The guards claim that they are being discriminated against, especially by people holding high positions in society.

This comes after Charles Wachira, 25, a security guard was crushed to death at his workstation in Runda estate.

Businessman Joel Kibe reportedly caused the fatal accident on the night of February 2. Wachira had reportedly flagged Kibe down to screen his vehicle, but the former CMC director reportedly ran over him after allegedly losing control of his Range Rover because he was drunk.

Newly elected officials of the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU), Nairobi branch, warned that they would not tolerate such incidents in future. Led by Joash Soita (secretary general) and David Munyao, the officials claimed many people mistreated guards.

“If a guard is routinely conducting his or her duties, why do you find it difficult to co-operate? Some people view guards as obstacles and even refuse to be screened, yet it is for their own good,” said Soita.

He said the union could not do much for Wachira since he was not a registered member.

“The problem is that the deceased was not a union member, otherwise we would have intervened and demanded for justice. Wachira’s family may not even be compensated because he was not insured,” noted Soita.