Meru village in fear as arrow wielding gang terrorises residents
When James Murithi and his wife Beatrice Kamami, now deceased, left for separate farms on Wednesday last week, they both hoped to return home with a good harvest.
However, this was not to be.
Kamami was shot with an arrow at around 6pm as she walked back home alongside two other women. Veronica Mukiri, who was with the late Kamami, survived with a broken arm after the gang assaulted her.
“We were walking home when six men armed with machetes and arrows came out of the bush. One attacked me with a machete while another shot an arrow. Kamami was shot on the chest as she tried to rescue me,” Ms Mukiri recounted.
According to Mr Murithi, Kamami died with the arrow still lodged on her body while on the way to Kenyatta National Hospital where she was referred for advanced medical care.
For the last two years, residents of Ugoti, Nkiinja and Tiira villages in Igembe South have been living in terror as a gang continues to attack and rob them.
So daring are the criminals that in December last year, while armed with bows and arrows, they attacked Tiira market armed with bows and arrows in broad daylight leaving everyone scampering for their lives.
Not even boda boda riders have been spared by the deadly gang.
Giika Location Chief Gervasio Mucheke said the notorious gang is mostly active during the harvest season.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost a hardworking woman and a responsible mother. She was shot after she identified the gang members and called one of them by name. We are pursuing the criminals and will do everything to bring the suspects to book,” he said.
Mr Mucheke said the gang members have gone into hiding.
“Two suspects are known to be from Tigania East while eight are from Marega area. They have been terrorising locals and stealing food and animals. Recently, they stole a sheep and consumed it,” the chief added.
Mr Domisiano Kaberia, a farmer at Ugoti, said many farmers have abandoned their crop for fear of being attacked.
“It appears Kiija and Nduguto locations are not protected by the laws of Kenya. How can an armed gang thrive for several months without police action?” he asked.
Mr Ezra Mbaabu said some of the gang members had surrendered their weapons to the police last year.
“They are very active during the harvest season when they know people have money from their cereals produce. In September last year, some of them promised to leave their criminal ways. They handed over arrows and other paraphernalia to the OCS,” he said.
Mr David Mururu said the attacks have been on the rise.
“They steal food, phones and money while threatening their victims with arrow and machetes. They can shoot or cut you at the slightest provocation. In fact, many residents are living in fear,” he said.
Residents are now calling for a security operation to weed out the criminals who have made the fertile Ugoti lands almost inhabitable.
They also want two police posts established in the area to enhance security.
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