Three people were arrested during an overnight security operation targeting suspected drug peddlers and illicit brew dens in London Estate, Nakuru West, as police intensified efforts to curb rising insecurity in the area.

‎‎The operation, which began at around 2:00 a.m., focused on dismantling gang groups believed to be behind a series of robberies along the Nakuru–Mogotio Road near the Gioto Dumpsite.

‎‎According to police, armed youths have recently been ambushing and robbing motorists, prompting heightened patrols and a major crackdown.

‎‎Addressing the media at the scene, Nakuru County Commander Emmanuel Opuru described London Estate as a notorious informal settlement near the dumpsite that has become a hotspot for illicit brew, drug peddling, and other criminal activities.

‎‎“We have organised an operation which started on Saturday night and we are still holding the ground. We have destroyed a lot of illicit brews within the slums and also dismantled structures used by consumers. After taking illicit brew, most of them interfere with motorists along the Nakuru–Kabarak Road,” says Opuru.

Nakuru County Commander Emmanuel Opuru addressing the media.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/ MTAA WANGU

‎‎He adds that police had dominated the area and would maintain a strong presence to prevent criminals from regrouping.

‎‎“We are not going to relent. From now on, we are going to dominate this area and ensure that these illegal activities do not happen again,” he states.

‎‎Opuru says officers destroyed the illicit brew on site, terming it cumbersome to transport it to police stations. One suspect was arrested in connection with drug peddling and taken into custody, while two others were apprehended for allegedly inciting residents and causing unrest.

‎‎‎‎The security swoop comes just days after a Nakuru surgeon and Nakuru Town West Parliamentary seat aspirant, Dr. Magare Gikenyi, was attacked and robbed of his personal belongings in the same area. Following the incident, police launched a swift operation that led to several arrests, although the move has since sparked protests from some youths in the estate.

‎‎However, controversy has emerged after residents alleged that some houses were torched during the operation.

‎‎Joyce Muthoni claims her brother’s house was set ablaze by a group of officers.

‎‎“It started around 2:00 a.m. He had called me seven times. When I called him back, he said the police were at his house and had burned it. He said they were many, and he could not recognize their faces,” she says.

‎‎According to her, the fire spread to their uncle’s house, destroying property, including over Sh50,000 in cash. She maintains that her brother was a casual labourer and not involved in selling illicit alcohol.

Alvin Njoroge, a resident of London Estate addressing the media

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎Other residents alleged that two young men were beaten and their houses burned, although claims that known illicit brew sellers were targeted remain unverified.

‎‎Amid the tension, community members are now calling for calm and dialogue.

‎‎“What we need is peace. We cannot handle issues through violence. Dialogue is the only way we can move forward as a community,” said Alvin Njoroge, a resident of London Estate.

‎‎‎muthoniw813@gmail.com

Police arrest three during an overnight crackdown at Gioto dumpsite settlement

Author Spotlight

Muthoni Wanjiku