Human rights activists in Kisumu have raised alarm over what they described as worsening insecurity and political intolerance in the Nyanza region, calling for total overhaul of senior police commanders.
Led by human rights defender and Kisumu City Resident Voice chairman Audi Ogada, the activists said some top police commanders had become ineffective and should be transferred to others stations.
They also called on the government to urgently crack down on criminal gangs allegedly operating with political protection.
Ogada said criminal gangs had infiltrated public life in several counties, disrupting church services, funerals and political gatherings while instilling fear among residents.
“The criminal gangs have taken over some of our cities and counties. Leaders are not spared, even though some of them are suspects in this lawlessness,” he said.
In a strongly worded public statement on Sunday, Ogada asked police to ensure those behind the killing of former Matungu MP David Were’s son Hannington Were in Kisumu on Sunday are arrested and charged.
He accused sections of the political class of enabling violence and intimidation ahead of the next General Election, warning that the country risks descending into chaos if decisive action is not taken.
Ogada urged the Ministry of Interior to move beyond issuing warnings and instead implement firm security measures, including the transfer of police officers who have overstayed in one station or region.
“We have witnessed numerous warnings from the Interior Ministry, yet the situation continues to worsen. Some police officers have stayed in one area for over 10 years, contrary to transfer regulations,” he said.
The activist further alleged that some security officers have been linked to criminal activities and demanded investigations into politicians reportedly seen associating with gangs.
“We have reports that junior officers who have overstayed in Kisumu have been compromised and are colluding with criminals to aide crime in various areas, making it difficult to effectively deal with crime,” he said.
He further accused senior officers at the sub county level of arbitrary arrest and bribery with most cases dropped at the station, after collection of cash bail.
According to Ogada, political violence and intolerance have increasingly become common in parts of Luo Nyanza and other regions, with youth groups allegedly being used as freelance hirelings for terror during public events and burial ceremonies.
He strongly condemned the rising political thuggery and inflammatory statements by leaders, saying fear, intimidation and restrictions on movement were fueling instability in the region.
“Protecting the well-being of individuals, their rights, freedoms and property across the republic is uncompromisable,” he stated.
Ogada also appealed to the leadership of Parliament, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, to table the insecurity situation as a matter of national concern.
He said Parliament should debate the issue as a national disaster and compel the government to fully implement security reforms and police transfer policies aimed at curbing corruption and localised criminal networks.
The remarks come amid growing public concern over political violence, criminal gangs and heightened tensions in several parts of the country as political activity intensifies ahead of the election period.
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