In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the residents of Mwea-West, Kirinyaga County, have been left reeling after their local police patrol base was abruptly shut down—not due to crime, but because of unpaid rent!

The Riandira Police Post, which had been home to six officers since 2018, was repossessed by the landlord’s family after a staggering KSh2 million rent debt piled up. The officers, who once kept watch over the community, were unceremoniously kicked out, their belongings loaded onto a truck like ordinary tenants behind on rent.

The station had originally been provided to them by the landlord, who later passed away in 2018. But after his death, the family demanded rent payments—a request that seemingly went ignored, allowing the arrears to spiral out of control. Now, with no choice left, the officers have been scattered to other locations, leaving Mwea-West residents in a state of panic.

With crime a growing concern, locals are terrified that the sudden police departure will leave them vulnerable, especially since the nearest station is a daunting four kilometers away. Many fear criminals will now exploit the absence of law enforcement, turning the area into a free-for-all.

This shocking eviction exposes a bigger problem—Kenya’s dire shortage of police facilities. Many stations operate from rented buildings due to a lack of government-owned properties, particularly in remote areas. In high-risk regions, authorities often scramble to set up police posts on private land through informal deals, leaving them at the mercy of landlords who, at any moment, can pull the plug.

And this isn’t the first time the issue has sparked controversy. Earlier in March, an outraged civilian in Uasin Gishu County took matters into his own hands, setting up a patrol base without informing authorities. His bold move ignited heated debate, with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja slamming the action as unlawful. But the civilian stood by his decision, arguing that security had deteriorated beyond control.

“Insecurity in this area is out of hand,” he declared. “The nearest police post is seven kilometers away, and it doesn’t even have a vehicle!”

The Inspector General has since emphasized that setting up a police station requires strict procedures, including public participation. But as Mwea-West residents watch their security collapse due to something as basic as unpaid rent, the real question remains—who is truly responsible for keeping the people safe?