Security tightened after attack on MP
The robbery at MP Daniel Maanzo’s home on Wednesday morning has highlighted the sharp increase in crime in Karen.
The Makueni MP and his wife, Catherine, were attacked in their Trent Villas home by a gang of five, who made away with cash and other valuables after holding them hostage for close to an hour.
The two were discharged from Nairobi Hospital after receiving treatment for cuts and bruises sustained in the 3am attack. They were robbed of more than Sh10,000 in cash, mobile phones and other valuables.
Their househelp claimed she heard the hooded thugs ask Mr Maanzo for more money then made away through the perimeter fence, which they had used to gain access to the compound.
The maid has since been barred from talking to the press by police, who say they are investigating the matter. “Investigations are going on. We have dusted the house for fingerprints,” said Lang’ata OCPD Titus Yoma.
Security has been beefed up in upmarket Karen in the last few months following a string of robberies that has left residents terrified.
In the last two months alone, 18 robberies in palatial homes have been reported. The homes are owned by some of Kenya’s richest families.
Rose Karobia, a communications officer at Karen Lang’ata District Association (KLDA) said the last few months have been bad.
“There has been an upsurge in crime in Karen and Hardy. It has been particularly bad over the last three to four months,” she said.
She said the association which brings Karen residents together was working with police and private firms to beef up security.
“We have requested the police to deploy at least three vehicles and more officers to Karen and Hardy stations. We are also working with private security firms like Ultimate and others to intensify patrols,” she added.
In December, Flying Squad officers were deployed in the area following increased cases of house breaking.
The officers were to be backed by regular police officers from Karen, Hardy and Lang’ata Police Stations.
Two months ago, former powerful cabinet minister Maina Wanjigi and his wife were attacked and seriously injured by four gangsters who also robbed them of Sh17,000, two guns and jewellery.
The elderly Wanjigi was badly burnt with an iron box while his wife had nails driven into her body during the attack.
Police said the gang of about five gained entry into the house through the kitchen door that had apparently been left open.
The men then went to the bedroom and demanded cash and other valuables from the couple. While making the demands, they used an iron box to torture Mr Wanjigi.
In another, robbers conducted a house to house raid in Miotoni, Hardy and Karen, only sparing the heavily guarded residence of deputy President William Ruto.