IG Kanja assures Eastleigh residents of their security during Eid

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured Eastleigh residents that security is top-notch and encouraged them to celebrate Eid without fear.

Speaking in Eastleigh Nairobi, as he joined the Muslim faithful to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, the IG said security personnel remain on high alert.

"I've joined you in prayer today and I'm also here to check on the status of security. I want to assure the Muslim faithful celebrating Eid here (Eastleigh) and around the country that as the police, we are vigilant," he said.

While also noting the economic importance that Eastleigh holds, Kanja thanked residents for volunteering information to police that is crucial in the arrest of criminals in the area.

"Eastleigh is an important area in Kenya because there are big businesses here and many people from different backgrounds co-exist. It is a cosmopolitan area," remarked the IG.

Accompanied by leaders including Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, he also announced that police stations within Eastleigh will be well-equipped with vehicles to ensure the safety of residents.

"I know there are few police stations that do not have vehicles. We are in the process of procuring enough vehicles for police stations around the country. When we get those vehicles, police stations in Eastleigh will be able to get some in order to increase patrols," said Kanja

"The most important thing is to live in peace. Security is a shared responsibility between the government and its people. No criminal elements will  give us trouble if we work together."

The IG's comments come amid an economic transformation of Eastleigh in recent years, where many businesses have transformed the area into a key business hub for East Africa and beyond.