@ManuelOdeny
Traders and residents of Migori and Kehancha towns have decried rising cases of insecurity.
Recently, churches and shops have been targeted in break-ins, especially during curfew hours.
On Monday, Ezekiel Marara, a watchman at Mama Yao supermarket, was left for dead as three gangsters broke into a nearby motorbike shop.
The thugs stole three bikes and spare parts worth over Sh560,000.
“They attacked me using pangas and other crude weapons and calmly decided between themselves if they should kill me or leave me. I must have fainted in a separate room when they left,” Marara said.
Marara was speaking from Migori Referral Hospital where he was receiving treatment for head, arm and back injuries.
Henry Otieno, the manager at the motorbike shop, said CCTV footage showed the robbery was from midnight to 1pm. He blamed it on inadequate police patrols.
“As traders and investors, we are worried that cases of insecurity have been on the increase in Migori town, the robbery at our business came days after a body of a man was picked under a bridge creating fear,” Otieno said.
George Othina, an official at Maranatha Faith Assemblies church in Migori town, said thugs broke into the church and nearby Abison Recording Studio and went away with several electronics and furniture.
John Chacha, a proprietor of Mnati Bar in Kehancha town, said a lack of security lights in the area and impassable back roads have increased cases of mugging and break-ins.
Migori county police commander Mark Wanjala on Wednesday said they have increased patrols in towns even past curfew hours.
“We have enhanced patrols, but because of curfew, it is easy for criminals to notice police coming from far and hide.
"To be more effective, we have asked watchmen and residents to alert police for rapid response,” Wanjala said.
He said in most cases of break-ins reported, they have been investigating cases of rivalry, adding that the situation is under control.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
