Rising Concerns Over School Break-ins and Theft in Murang’a.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha has expressed concern about the recent surge in school break-ins and thefts.
He disclosed that within a span of less than a month, six secondary schools have been burglarized, with items worth thousands of shillings stolen. These incidents have primarily affected schools in the Gatanga and Kandara sub-counties.
According to Nkanatha, stolen items include computers, books, and medals. He confirmed that some suspects have already been arrested and are aiding in the ongoing investigations.
He revealed that thieves typically tie up school guards with ropes before committing the crimes, adding that security agents are working to determine whether some school workers may be involved in planning these robberies.
“We have established that the burglars usually tie the school guards with robes before they commit the crime. Security agents are investigating to establish if the robbery is planned by some of the workers of the schools,” he stated.
Nkanatha pointed out that the theft of computers and office items has resulted in significant financial losses for the affected institutions.
Join Teachers Updates on Facebook
He noted that such incidents disrupt school operations, especially as students prepare for their national examinations.
To enhance security, measures will be put in place to safeguard all examination centers, and the public is urged to stay away from these areas to ensure the credibility of the exams.
Security Measures for Examination Centers
In preparation for the upcoming national exams, Nkanatha emphasized that only authorized personnel will be allowed near examination centers.
He called on residents, parents, and others to avoid these locations to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
He also appealed to communities near learning institutions to provide any information that could help apprehend those responsible for the school break-ins.
In addition to concerns about school thefts, Nkanatha highlighted a worrying increase in suicide cases within Murang’a County, reporting that almost every week, a new case is reported.
He noted that over 95 percent of the cases involve men, attributing the problem to factors such as depression, drug abuse, alcoholism, and domestic disputes.
He called on chiefs, assistant chiefs, community leaders, and clergy members to help address this issue by offering support and hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
Renewed Threat of Illicit Alcohol Sales
Meanwhile, Nkanatha warned bar owners against attempting to reintroduce banned second-generation alcoholic brands.
He stated that some unscrupulous individuals are trying to sell these outlawed products as the festive season approaches, but assured the public that inspections of liquor outlets will be intensified.
Only licensed establishments will be allowed to operate and sell approved brands of alcohol.
Jane Kamwanga, the county peace chairperson, also raised concerns about the resurgence of illicit brews in certain areas of the county.
ALSO READ: Employment Opportunities at Braeburn Schools
She urged the county security committee to intensify efforts to combat illegal alcohol and drugs, noting that some bars have resumed selling banned brews.
Kamwanga lamented the sight of young people drunk in the morning, underscoring the need for more stringent enforcement of alcohol regulations.
Rising Concerns Over School Break-ins and Theft in Murang’a.
Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].
Discussion about this post