By Tobias Ogutu
The Kenyan government is making significant strides to enhance security for its citizens. The foundational level of security lies within the local community, overseen by the “Nyumba Kumi” members. The Nyumba Kumi initiative was launched to bolster security and foster peace within neighborhoods comprising ten households. The initiative aims to create a positive impact. However, the government remains unaware that in certain areas, such as Nyalenda A village units, implementers are harassing innocent local community members in the name of community policing.
In Nyalenda A, the majority of Nyumba Kumi members are individuals who had a bad reputation in the past but now assert that they have reformed. These individuals act as spies, particularly targeting those they view as enemies. They have abandoned their community policing roles and have usurped the responsibilities of the Directors of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officers. In many village units, they now investigate individuals even when no complaints have been filed against them.
Nyumba Kumi members frequently raid the homes of individuals they suspect to be thieves, often without justification and without involving senior security personnel. Upon entering, they will search the house and demand receipts for any items they believe their target cannot afford. If the victim cannot provide a receipt as proof of purchase, these “village DCI officers” will take the items, claiming the suspect must have stolen them.
The unfortunate reality is that the items collected from suspects will stay in their possession. If the owner doesn’t pay any money, the items will remain their property, and one of them may take the items for personal use. For example, there was a young man found smoking weed in front of his house. The Nyumba Kumi members forced their way inside and confiscated the music system, television, and electric kettle. They all reasoned that the young man lacked the financial means to purchase such items.
When the young man’s parents arrived with receipts to reclaim the items, some were missing. The Nyumba Kumi members had already sold several and split the proceeds among themselves. The television was discovered in one of the Nyumba Kumi members’ homes, where his wife and children were using it for entertainment. The issue escalated to the area chief and then to the police. Unfortunately, the young man did not receive justice.
Police offered the Nyumba Kumi members immunity and advised the young man and his parents to drop the case, assuring them that they would be compensated later. However, the compensation is yet to be provided. The young man’s case is just one of many. These Nyumba Kumi members exploit their position to extract money and other goods from villagers who are not well-informed.
Even though there are instances in which the same individuals have contributed to enhancing security, their current trend of exploiting innocent villagers raises concerns. The government should reassess and guide them in their roles. Furthermore, if any of them is found on the wrong side of the law, strict action must be enforced.
