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Police in Kitengela, Kajiado County, have intervened to disarm over 30 youths who were armed with crude weapons while purportedly providing security for an entertainment joint.

The youths, wielding rungus and newly acquired pangas, claimed they had been hired to protect Quiver Lounge following recent looting and destruction during anti-Ruto protests on Tuesday.

Police insist

Authorities insisted that hiring such individuals breaches security protocols and poses a threat to public safety.

Ezekiel Mbugua, the lounge manager, defended the decision to bolster security, citing previous losses and damage incurred during recent protests.

“We just beefed up our security because, in the last protest, we incurred massive losses. We also had our premises partly destructed and we decided not to take chances,” Mbugua stated.

The commander of the operation who ordered the confiscation of the weapons on his part said: “It is unlawful to take the law into your hands. You cannot have armed youths endangering their lives in the name of providing security. The security apparatus is on high alert to provide security for all. Our mandate is to safeguard Kenyans and their property and we are in control.”

Meanwhile, amidst ongoing unrest, at least 24 protesters are receiving treatment at Kitengela Subcounty Hospital for gunshot wounds, with three others transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, as confirmed by nursing officer Lemuta Saila.

Businesses closed

A number of businesses have also remained closed with Alice Wanjiku, a shop operator at the two Central Business Districts stating it was the best option at the moment.

“I cannot take chances for whatever cost. I better suffer losses today and be sure that tomorrow I will continue while my stock is intact. I have depleted my savings in doing repairs of my shop that was broken into and restocked,” Wanjiku stated.

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