SECURITY was yesterday tightened in all churches within Mwingi town. A spot-check by the Star revealed at least two armed administration and regular police officers were assigned to guard AIC, Catholic and Full Gospel Churches within the town. Armed police also patrolled the town and areas where the churches are located.

A church elder at Full Gospel Church in Mwingi James Mutinda said the police presence restored confidence in the worshipers. "We feel safe to have police officers assigned to local churches to ensure security. This should be the trend, but not a one-off affair because you never know when the enemy will strike," said Mutinda.

Mwingi Central AP boss Abdirahaman Dima said security officers will continue to keep guard all churches and other congregated places. "We are not taking anything for granted. Our officers are all over the place to ensure everybody is safe," he said. Last week there was a security scare in the town when an identified person called the police claiming he had heard two men plotting to bomb the town. Another called to say a Garissa bound bus had been hijacked. Police later said both phone calls were a hoax.