Police officers evicted at Riandira police post in Kirinyaga over Sh2 million rent arrears

Residents of the Riandira area in Mwea-West, Kirinyaga County have lamented the closure of the local police post over rent arrears.

The residents who claim the closure of the police post will increase the crime rate in the area have called on the government and local leaders to intervene and settle the Ksh 2 million rent arrears.

They lamented that the government needs to act ASAP to avoid the area sinking into crime.

“As the area residents, we are saying that there will be a lot of insecurity cases should the police be moved from here. We know they have also been living here, but we do not know what has led to this,” a resident urged the government.

“We are praying that they help us pay the rent. They have been helping us to deal with crime like muggings,” he added.

Reports indicate that the officers of the Riandira police post have been living rent-free after the death of their landlord and businessman, Mwangi Thuita.

However, the daughter of the late businessman, Irene Njeri, said the officers were instructed to continue paying rent before their father died in 2018 but they have not leading the accumulation, getting to Ksh 2 million which forced them to reclaim the property.

“Before my father died, he instructed the officers to start paying rent from 2018. The arrears have now exceeded Ksh 2 million, which is why we decided to reclaim our property and rent it out to others,” Njeri stated.

The officers stationed there have been transferred to other stations with Mwea West Police Commander Rashid Ali saying the residents will be served by Rukanga police post located four kilometres away.

In the video, the officers were filmed moving their belongings and those at the station in lorries.

Just like other government institutions, the National Police Service has been facing challenges of clearing outstanding debts.