Following a cheat night attack by armed thugs at Lily Garden Apartments, residents of Thindigua in Kiambu County are living in fear. The gang, whose members were said to be heavily armed, hunted families for hours in what residents called one of the most frightening events in recent months.
As per witnesses, the nightmare hit right after midnight, and the ordeal lasted almost three hours. The attackers are said to have forcefully entered several apartments, evicted families from their residences, and held them hostage before they escaped with valuables running into thousands of shillings.
“They forced their way into our home and ordered us to lie down on the floor. In addition to taking our phones, laptops, and money, they also took our voices as they were threatening to shoot anyone who screamed,” recounted one resident who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal
The victims report that despite making numerous emergency calls to the local security officers, no response was received, thus increasing their anger and dissatisfaction with what they term as loose security in the area.
“This incident has really scared us. Thindigua has become a dangerous place, and we don’t dare to live. Our call to police is that they increase their patrols and arrest the culprits,” expressed another resident.
The local leaders, as well as the community security groups, have not only condemned the incident but also appealed the authorities to take immediate action to regain residents’ trust.
The County Police Commander of Kiambu made it clear that the police had begun interrogations and that the suspects were being pursued. “We are interviewing the victims to get details of the case, and our officers have been sent to follow the leads. We appeal to the public to be calm and work with the police,” he stated.
The episode is another point in the long line of concerns about burglary and armed robbery cases in Kiambu’s fast-rising residential areas, where people have, time after time, requested that lights be installed, closed-circuit television (CCTV) be put up, and community policing be strengthened as ways to fight crime.
