Murang'a North district security committee is beefing up security in areas it has identified as infiltrated by outlawed Mungiki sect members.

District commissioner Mohamed Maalim said new Administration Police posts would be set up in the affected areas and appealed to residents to cooperate with the officers.

Put on notice

"We have identified Kaharati market as the worst affected and will soon deploy AP officers there," Mr Maalim said.

"We are putting the sect members on notice that their days are numbered. They must change their ways before we strike because when we do, we will strike hard," the DC warned.

Sect members have been extorting money from private motorists at Kaharati market after matatu operators resolved two weeks ago to resist paying the levies.

Other trouble spots are Muthithi trading centre and the Kaharati-Kangari road, where the sect members have set up illegal toll stations.

The administrator asked motorists not to pay the levies because this encouraged the sect's criminal activities.

He advised the sect members to start income-generating projects and if they did not have capital, to apply for loans from the Youth Enterprise Fund.