Gang storms Maragua hospital armed with machetes

A gang of six armed with machetes on Monday night raided Maragua Level Four Hospital in an attempt to prevent a man they had attacked from seeking medical attention.

Riding on three motorcycles, the gang intercepted the man at the hospital’s gates and were heard shouting at him, saying should he seek medical attention and have the police go after them, they will kill him.

“They created a lot of commotion outside the hospital gates. The man they had attacked was bleeding from his right hand and they managed to force him to board one of the motorcycles and escaped with him before police arrived,” said a patient who witnessed the 8pm incident.

Murang’a South police boss Anthony Keter said no one was arrested since everyone escaped.

Daring acts

Last Friday, area leaders led by Maragua MP Mary wa Maua complained to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police Edward Mbugua about a gang that terrorises area residents while armed with machetes, arrows and axes.

“We have reports that the gang is composed of bhang and chang’aa traders. There is even an incident where the gang attacked police officers using arrows,” said County Commissioner Mohammed Barre.

Mr Barre said victims of the gang are always threatened of dire consequences should they report to police about the gang’s activities.

Mr Mbugua ordered that the gang be rounded up, charged in court and their dens destroyed but the very same night, the gang raided several Maragua town estates and injured several people.

“I do not want to hear that Maragua police do not act on criminal incidents on account that no reports have been made. Police should move out of the station and go searching for the victims to record statements. We cannot let criminals set the pace for us. It is an act of duty negligence to know crime happened but you are waiting for the victim to come and record a statement,” he said.