Drama as officers evicted from police post base over Sh40.9 million rent arrears

Six National Police Service (NPS) officers in Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, Kenya, have been transferred following the abrupt closure of their police post due to unpaid rent.

The officers, stationed at the Riandira police post, had been living rent-free in a house owned by the late businessman Mwangi Thuita.

However, the arrears have since accumulated to more than Ksh.29 million (Tsh40.9 million), prompting the family to reclaim the property.

His daughter, Irene Njeri, stated that the officers were instructed to start paying rent after his death.

“The arrears have accumulated for years, and we can no longer wait. We’ve decided to take back the house and rent it out to others,” she explained.

The eviction, which saw officers loading their belongings onto a lorry, left residents stunned and concerned about security in the area.

“Where are they going? They have greatly improved security here since 2016. What will we do now?” questioned Grace Wanjiru, a local resident.

Mwea West Police Commander Rashid Ali stated that residents would now be served by Rukanga police post, located four kilometres away.