By Reuben Olita
Assistant County Commissioner Amagoro Division, who was previously known as District Officer (DO), Titus Kiptoo, has urged residents to name and shame hard-core criminals, a move he noted will end rampant thefts in the area.
Kiptoo’s directive comes in the wake of daylight and night thefts of domestic animals, including sheep, goats, sheep, poultry, and scrape metals.
Addressing area residents during a public baraza in Amagoro to address security concerns, the ACC said spate of thefts is a phenomenon that can’t be tolerated at all costs by President William Ruto’s administration.
“Korinda Prisons remand is waiting for such calibre of people who are foiling efforts of hardworking residents to improve themselves economically,” Kiptoo told stakeholders drawn from various sectors.
He added: “Apart from thefts of domestic animals and poultry, cases of thefts of scrape metal has taken its toll. I hereby issue a directive that anybody found carrying such devices should be detained, and security apparatus informed to apprehend them. We need to end this practice once and for all.”
The ACC, while lauding boda boda riders for doing a good job on matters security, urged the riders Teso North Sub County chairman Hussein Ikomol, who was in attendance to ensure all boda boda stages had chairmen for accountability purposes.
He noted that parental neglect was another factor that has led to cases of crime upsurge since most family heads don’t monitor the movement of their children who end up engaging in illicit activities, and failing to respect their parents who are equally to blame for failing to discipline them, thus escalating the issue.
Amagoro ACC Titus Kiptoo
On concerns from members of the public who called for transfers of police officers, some of whom have overstayed in their current stations for over 10 years, Kiptoo urged members of the public to seek an audience with the next office if they sight such anomalies and no appropriate action action taken.
The ACC noted with concern that failure by most families to tame dogs and geezes had made thugs take advantage of the situation to raid homes with impunity, noting that such dogs and geezes raise alarms when strangers appear on sight.
KBC news reporter Kennedy Epalat said daylight thefts of domestic animals was a concern that needs urgent intervention by the security to ensure that all slaughter houses and butchery operators take particulars of those who engage in sale of live animals and meat.
He also blamed boda boda operators for escalating theft cases by either carrying stolen property or passengers, urging them to supplement the police efforts in combating crime in the society.
Area resident James Ochodi regretted that bars in Kenya open as early as 8.am with those in Uganda operating from 2.30pm, urging Kenyan government to enforce such laws and post on social media photos of all animals sold to slaughter houses.
Deputy in charge of Amagoro Patrol Base Cynthia Ngujiri said there was a need for collaborative efforts between the police and members of the public to avail information that would help curb rampant crime.
Acting Teso sub county administrator Silas Juma said Busia County Government will issue notices to wines and spirits operators to define their modus operandi.
“Business persons operating bars selling beer should strictly adhere to that and not sell spirits and vice versa. Pool tables operators should also get licences, noting that those operating beyond time will have their licenses withdrawn,” Juma said.
Photo:Amagoro ACC Titus Kiptoo.
