President William Ruto has ordered the closure of a police station in Busia that a criminal gang had allegedly taken over.
While addressing a public rally on Saturday, August 26, in Busia town, the head of state attributed his decision to a public uproar by citizens and local leaders who lamented that they were frustrated by the operations at the police station.
Ruto warned that he would not relent in cracking down on anyone accused of causing mayhem by engaging in criminal activities in cahoots with rogue police officers.
"Let them read my lips. Anyone who will try to cause violence here in Busia will face me. I have been told that the gang even have their own police station here in Busia.
"That must stop immediately. I have ordered that the police station be closed with immediate effect. And tell them that I am the one who has ordered the closure," Ruto ordered amid cheers and applause by the crowd.
He further assured the residents of Busia County that no one would be allowed to destroy property and lives under his watch. He noted that some people were taking advantage of protests to met violence on innocent civilians.
"I want us to agree on how to manage security issues around this area.
"Let it be known that there is no one will be allowed to assault the innocent people of Busia. Should they try, they will meet us head-on," Ruto assured.
The President also warned local leaders fueling violence in the area that they will be held to account, noting that any agitation leading to violence is unlawful.
"We don't want violence in this area, and we are not going to allow it in this area," Ruto stated as he commenced his Western Kenya tour.
Busia Governor Paul Otwoma, who fell short of mentioning the head of the local gang, lamented that the criminals had started taxing small-scale traders in the town.
"It's unfortunate that the gang has been taking part in criminal activities, including taxing women who are operating shops in Busia town," Otwoma stated.
However, Ruto and Otuoma did not address the future of the police officers accused of fueling insecurity. It has yet to be ascertained whether Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, will reign in on the cops or order a manhunt for the gang.
