Elders from Kwabwai ward in
Ndhiwa constituency, Homa Bay,
have decried increasing insecurity
allegedly perpetrated by youths
operating as criminal gangs.
The elders said the gangs, who operate at night, assault women and children.
The latest incident occurred on Thursday night when three suspected youths gang-raped a woman and her Grade 6 daughter at Otamaro village in Central Kwabwai location.
The suspects waylaid the victims as they returned home from a funeral vigil in the area. The mother was raped and slashed with a sharp object. The daughter was also slashed in the stomach.
Led by senior retired chiefs Dickson Ogindo and Patrick Lumumba, their coordinator Elias Oyamo and member George Ochido, the elders called on the police to expedite investigations and arrest the suspects.
Ogindo said they had incidents where three people were killed in Kadhola, Kachuth and Ratang’a.
“We condemn those who collude with suspects and escalate insecurity and criminal acts in Kwabwai ward. Let the government investigate, arrest and expose the perpetrators as soon as possible,” Ogindo said.
Speaking during their meeting at Got Kojowi trading centre, Lumumba said many women traders and children live in fear of possible attacks.
A suspect in last Thursday’s attack is being detained at Ndhiwa police station. Kachuth assistant chief Lucas Airo urged residents whose rights have been violated to report to police. Lumumba called on police to intensify patrols.
“Traders especially women, are unable to do their business smoothly because they fear being attacked. Patrols against crime should be intensified in this December holiday to restore the situation,” Lumumba said.
