Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha has raised concerns over increased school break-ins and theft.
He said in less than one month, six secondary schools have been broken into and property worth thousands of shillings stolen.
Nkanatha said theft cases have been reported in high schools in Gatanga and Kandara subcounties.
He said some of the targeted items are computers, books and medals.
Suspects have been arrested and are aiding in investigations, Nkanatha said.
“It’s worrying to witness schools losing property to thieves. The schools that have been hit by the robbery have lost their computers and other office items, leading to huge losses,” he said.
“We have established that the burglars usually tie the school guards with ropes before committing the crime. Security agents are investigating to establish if the robbery was planned by some of the workers of the schools.”
Nkanatha spoke during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ihura Stadium yesterday.
He said as candidates prepare to sit their national examinations, security in all exam centres will be beefed up. He urged members of the public to keep off the exam centres.
“Only authorised people are allowed to access examination centres. Residents, parents, among other individuals, should stay away from these centres. This is to ensure the examinations are conducted credibly,” Nkanatha said.
He appealed to communities living near learning institutions to provide information that may lead to the arrest of those behind the school break-ins.
Meanwhile, Nkanatha raised concerns about increased cases of suicide in the county, saying a suicide case is reported almost every week.
He said more than 95 per cent of suicide cases are men. e administrator urged community leaders, the clergy and other stakeholders to help in mitigating the situation.
“It’s worrying to lose people through suicide. We understand some of these cases are attributed to depression, drug abuse and alcoholism; and domestic related wrangles and differences,” Nkanatha said.
“I appeal to chiefs and their assistants, community leaders and the clergy to help in talking to our people and giving them hope despite difficulties they are going through.”
The administrator cautioned bar owners trying to bring back banned second-generation liquor.
He said some unscrupulous bar owners are attempting to sell the outlawed brands, saying inspection of liquor outlets will be intensified
by KNA