CALM Restored In Siakago Town After High-Level Intervention by CS Ruku

The standoff erupted after rising cases of theft in the area sparked suspicion and mistrust between the two groups. What began as verbal exchanges quickly escalated into physical altercations, forcing traders to close shops and residents to flee for safety. The  town, which serves as a key commercial hub in the constituency, was left deserted as tempers flared.

Some businesses were torched by irate demonstrators and some vehicles burnt.

In a bid to restore peace, CS Ruku arrived in the town and engaged in hours of intense shuttle diplomacy between representatives of the rival groups. He urged both sides to embrace dialogue and reject violence, stressing that no community should feel unsafe in any part of the country. His intervention was credited with breaking the deadlock and convincing the warring sides to resume normalcy.

After in-depth consultations, Ruku announced that the two groups had agreed to reopen businesses and cease hostilities immediately. He warned against further acts of provocation, noting that those found inciting violence would face the full force of the law.

Significantly, the CS revealed that high-ranking security officials in the area including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Siakago Police Station, the Sub-County Police Commander, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer would be transferred with immediate effect. The officials had faced accusations from locals of laxity and failure to address rising insecurity.

“These officers have failed to serve the residents as expected. The safety and confidence of the people come first, and if officers cannot deliver, they have no business working here,” Ruku declared, drawing applause from sections of the crowd.

The CS assured traders whose businesses were destroyed during the chaos that they would be compensated by the government. He further urged residents who lost valuables to register their claims with local administrators to facilitate the compensation process. This, he said, would ensure that victims were not left to suffer financial ruin.

Ruku called on all Kenyans to uphold the right to live and work in any part of the country without fear of discrimination or intimidation. “We are one people under one flag. Let us protect the spirit of peaceful co-existence, for it is the foundation of development,” he emphasized.

By the end of the day, shops had reopened, streets were once again buzzing with activity, and a fragile calm had taken hold. While residents welcomed the return of peace, many agreed that lasting harmony would require continued dialogue, effective policing, and a shared commitment to unity between the Ameru and Mbeere communities.