A wave of insecurity has gripped Molo town and its surrounding areas, prompting alarm among residents who are now calling on authorities to take urgent action.

Locals are urging the police to intensify night patrols and the county government to urgently restore non-functional streetlights that have plunged the town into darkness for months.

Residents have linked the surge in criminal activity to the poor street lighting, saying that many areas of the town remain in darkness after nightfall, giving thugs a free hand to terrorise residents.

“I was attacked by armed muggers and only escaped after raising an alarm,” said James Githinji, a resident of Molo.

He recounted the harrowing experience that left him with a head injury during the scuffle.

“Robbery incidents have increased significantly because of the poor lighting in the streets,” he added.

Isaac Njenga, chairman of the Molo Jua Kali Association, painted a grim picture of the town’s atmosphere after sunset.

“Once darkness creeps in, the town becomes deserted. Traders are forced to close early for fear of being attacked or robbed,” he said.

Several youths have also come forward, claiming they have lost mobile phones, laptops, and other valuables to violent attackers who take advantage of the poorly lit streets.

John Gathirwa noted that gangs often lurk in dark alleys and spots, ambushing unsuspecting passersby.

Boda boda riders have not been spared either. David Mburu, a rider who operates within the town, recalled a recent incident in which he picked up a customer near a local pub, only for the customer to turn out to be a criminal.

“When we reached a dark corner, four men emerged from the bushes. They took my motorbike and slapped me repeatedly,” he recounted.

The community is now appealing to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to send a technical team to inspect and repair the non-functional street lights in the area.

“We’ve been in darkness for too long, and the criminals are taking advantage of that,” said another concerned resident.

In response, Molo Sub-county Police Commander Timon Odingo urged residents to report criminal incidents to the police.