Residents of the affluent Mushroom Gardens estate in Thindigua, Kiambu County have adjusted their lifestyle following the assassination of renowned environmentalist Joannah Stutchbury.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, July 21, the homeowners detailed that they were fear-stricken by the death of the renowned activist who was murdered outside her house on Thursday afternoon, July 15.
Community leaders and the police tightened some neighbourhood guidelines with the latter heightening security measures in the estate which mostly hosts retirees.
Residents, of their own volition, resorted to staying indoors after the incident -which attracted national and international attention- occurred.
"The number of those roaming around, cycling or enjoying nature has reduced as individuals are still coming to terms with her murder.
"Community leaders also sealed off playgrounds for the safety of the children - who are at home after schools closed - until police conduct their investigations," a resident disclosed.
Prior to the tragedy, police used to walk around in civilian clothes, according to the natives. The law enforcers were spotted in full regalia manning gates and interacting with tenants, thereafter.
At the gates, vehicles undergo strict security searches, motorbikes, however, were temporarily banned owing to the escalating boda boda robberies witnessed in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties in the recent past.
"Visitors leave documents, IDs and passports at the gates too. This happened before but it has been heightened. The security guards and police are not leaving anything to chance.
"We have not yet had a physical community meeting but we have been discussing and keeping ourselves updated via Whatsapp," another resident added.
The homeowners further refuted reports that they were migrating and relocating from the neighbourhood.
"It was a sad and unexpected incident. The crime scene was sealed off. Once the detectives complete their investigations, we shall lay wreaths and mourn her," they shared their plans to eulogise Stutchbury who was a favourite among the community members.
Stutchbury was famous for her relentless attempts to protect Kiambu Forest from developers. She was shot six times in her driveway in Mushroom Gardens Estate near Thindigua.
On Friday, July 16, 44 local and international NGOs urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to form an inquiry into the assassination and develop a plan to protect all forests from land grabbers.
"My government will pursue and apprehend the criminals behind the killing of Joanna. We will not allow a few misguided individuals to continue shedding the blood of innocent people working hard to make Kenya a better place for all of us," Uhuru affirmed.
