Homa Bay commissioner Lilan warns vandals and illegal traders

Homa Bay residents should avoid activities that can land them on the wrong side of the law, the county commissioner Moses Lilan has said.

Lilan said there are categories of suspected criminals who engage in unlawful activities that promote insecurities in Homa Bay County.

The suspects were involved in various criminal activities including vandalizing transformers and stealing electricity cables. Some are smuggling illicit alcohol through Lake Victoria.

Lilan with Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga argued that vandalism of transformers and theft of electricity cables has rendered a village in the Rangwe constituency without power.

The commissioner said they have already known the people behind such economic saboteurs, adding that their days are numbered.

Kenya Power has reported the destruction of their properties in Kasipul, Rangwe, Kabondo Kasipul, Homa Bay Town, and Ndhiwa constituencies.

“I tell those economic development saboteurs that we’re coming for them. They want darkness to get room to engage in illegal activities and frustrate members of the public,” Lilan said.

Speaking when they marked the 60th Jamhuri Day at Raila Odinga stadium in Homa Bay town, Lilan said some criminals are also smuggling goods into the county.

They are collaborating with some authorities from Uganda and Tanzania to perpetuate harassment and frustration of Kenyan fishermen in the lake.

According to Lilan, the suspects worked closely and negotiated with the foreign security officers to arrest and fine Kenyan fishermen during the operation in Lake Victoria.

“They normally get their monetary share after Kenyan fishermen are released. The suspects are also linked to illicit alcohols which are sold around Islands in the lake,” he added.  

Lilan said the government has intensified security to catch up with anybody who causes insecurity in the county. 

The administrator said trade in illicit alcohol is linked to the high teen pregnancies, gender-based violence, and land conflicts in Homa Bay.

He warned against the increase in disco matanga and sale of chang'aa in the county.

“I assure residents of their safety and the safety of their property during the festive season. But I tell residents not to engage in activities that are likely to land them on the wrong side of the law,” Lilan said.

On his part, Magwanga urged residents to be innovative in reducing the high cost of living. 

He told the residents to prioritize agriculture to enable them to produce their food.

 The deputy governor argued that the locals will not suffer much from the high cost of living if they produce their food sufficiently.

 “I urge residents to be innovative and embrace agriculture. This will enable us to produce our food and surplus from which can generate financial income,” Magwanga said.