This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Security agencies in Nakuru County are facing a new threat from criminal gangs using drones to monitor their movements and activities.
The gangs, including the notorious 'Confirm' group, have been using the drones to carry out criminal activities, according to Nakuru County Commissioner Erustus Mbui.
Speaking at a County Engagement Forum in Nakuru Town on June 25, 2020, Commissioner Mbui said the drones are easily available and that the criminals who use them pretend they are for gathering news.
He added that the gangs, including jobless youths frustrated by Covid-19 restrictions, are sponsored by some politicians who use their money to defeat justice.
Commissioner Mbui warned that the security agencies will not wait for the criminals to be dealt with by the court, but will instead take action to arrest and punish them.
He also accused some politicians of hiding the criminals in their houses and providing them with funding.
Residents of Nakuru have accused cartels in law enforcement of doing little to arrest the criminals, who operate in areas such as Flamingo, Kimathi, Lakeview, Bondeni, Kivumbini, Manyani, Kwa Rhonda, Kaptembwa, Free Area, and Kaloleni slums.
Midrift Human Rights Network, which organised the County Engagement Forum, is working closely with security teams to prevent and counter violent extremism in Nakuru County.
Executive Director Joseph Omondi said the organisation's primary objective is to support the government in the fight against crime and to earn the people's confidence to detect and deter criminal activities at community level.
He also announced that Midrift will push for the enactment of the Peace Bill at the Nakuru Assembly, which addresses challenges in curbing insecurity especially during election years.
