Five suspects linked to emerging criminal gangs that have been terrorising residents in Kisumu arrested .
The gangs which are behind the recent wave of insecurity, extortion, harassment of residents, intimidation of business owners were being profiled, with more arrests expected.
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Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa addressing the media in her office
Security agencies in Kisumu have intensified operations
against rising insecurity, arresting five suspects believed to be part of
organised gangs that have been harassing residents and extorting business
owners.
Nyanza Regional commissioner Flora Mworoa confirmed the
arrests, noting that more suspects are being profiled as authorities move to
dismantle the networks.
“We are deeply concerned about the re-emergence of gangs in
Kisumu County. Let it be clear that such groups will not be tolerated. Anyone
found supporting or financing them will face the full force of the law,” Mworoa
said.
She made the remarks after chairing a joint meeting of the
Nyanza regional and Kisumu County Security Committees.
Mworoa said several hotspots, including Ufunyu in Kisumu
East, Manyatta, Obunga and Nyalenda, have been mapped out for sustained police
operations.
“We are mounting an operation to ensure all criminal
elements in these areas are dealt with so that residents can enjoy peace,” she
added.
The commissioner emphasised that the crackdown will continue
until all gangs are neutralised, warning that no individual or group would be
allowed to destabilise the county’s peace and economy.
Mworoa also raised concern over increasing livestock theft
in Nyakach.
She said investigations had revealed a possible cartel
involving residents colluding with butchers in Kisumu to trade stolen animals.
“We are working closely with communities to identify the criminals.
We already have strong leads, and we expect the theft cases in Nyakach and
surrounding areas to reduce once arrests are made,” she said.
At the same time, the RC cautioned residents against mob
justice, saying it risked punishing innocent people.
“Kenya is a country
governed by law. You cannot beat or kill a person merely on suspicion. Let the
police conduct investigations,” she said.
On claims that former prisoners are behind the rising
insecurity, Mworoa urged residents not to stigmatise them.
“Serving a jail term does not automatically make one guilty
of every crime in their community. Allow security officers to identify the real
culprits,” she said.
She further warned the public against falling prey to
fraudsters posing as police recruiters.
“There is no ongoing recruitment. Once the government
announces it, the exercise will be conducted transparently and free of charge,”
she said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The arrest of five suspects linked to criminal gangs in
Kisumu marks a decisive step in restoring calm to a city recently unsettled by
rising extortion, robberies, and harassment. For residents of hotspots like
Manyatta, Obunga and Nyalenda, the crackdown signals hope for safer neighbourhoods
and revived business confidence.
