A police post in Mwea-West, Kirinyaga County, has officially been shut down, and six officers have been transferred due to unpaid rent that had remained unresolved for years.

This sudden closure has left many residents worried about security in the area where the transferred officers were manning.

The officers had been staying in a house provided by local businessman Mwangi Thuita. Since Thuita passed away in 2018, his family has been demanding rent payments, but the officers never complied.

Over time, the rent arrears accumulated to more than Ksh.2 million, forcing the family to take action and reclaim their property.

Family Takes Back Property Over Rent Dispute

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Irene Njeri, Thuita’s daughter, explained that her late father had made it clear that the officers should start paying rent after his death. However, they continued living there without making any payments.

“Before my father passed away, he told them they had to start paying rent from 2018. But they never did. Now, the debt has grown beyond Ksh.2 million. That is why we have decided to reclaim our property and rent it out to other tenants,” Njeri said.

Residents shocked as officers leave

Many local residents were taken by surprise when they saw police officers packing up their belongings and loading them onto a lorry.

Some expressed fear about what would happen to security in the area now that the officers had left.

“Where are they going? Since 2016, they have kept this area safe. What will we do now?” asked Grace Wanjiru, a concerned resident.

Alternative police services provided

Despite the concerns, Mwea West Police Commander Rashid Ali assured residents that they would still receive police services.

He explained that officers from Rukanga Police Post, located just four kilometers away, would take over law enforcement duties in the area.

While the community adjusts to this change, many are left wondering if security will remain the same without their local police post.

For now, the residents can only hope that law enforcement in the area remains strong despite the unexpected closure.