Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has declared a zero-tolerance approach to criminal gangs, saying no goons will operate in the county while he remains in office.
He called on residents to reject criminal groups, insisting that public cooperation was critical to restoring law and order.
“Resist goonism and there will be no goonism in Kisumu,” Prof Nyong’o said after a high level County Security Committee meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting brought together county and national security officials, who unveiled a six-point security plan aimed at tackling organised crime, strengthening surveillance and improving public safety across the county.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo said authorities would move swiftly to dismantle criminal networks and regulate security arrangements at political meetings and public events.
He said organisers would be encouraged to seek security from authorised agencies, adding that unregulated security groups would not be tolerated.
The committee also announced a joint operation involving the county government, public transport operators and national security agencies to remove criminal elements from the matatu sector.
“We will streamline public transport and sensitise the matatu sector to ensure it remains safe and accessible for all citizens,” Mr Mwabudzo said.
The authorities also warned that businesses linked to criminal activities risk losing their licences and operating permits as part of a wider crackdown.
To strengthen intelligence gathering, the county will establish formal Village Security Committees and Neighbourhood Security Committees to improve cooperation between residents and security agencies.
Mr Mwabudzo said the committees would provide a structured link between communities and law enforcement, enabling faster reporting and response to emerging security threats.
The county and national governments also plan to expand the use of technology by deploying a network of high definition CCTV cameras in residential areas and key public spaces.
The officials said the surveillance system would provide real time monitoring and evidence to help identify, track and prosecute criminal suspects.
The committee further resolved to improve security at night by accelerating the repair and installation of high mast floodlights and street lighting, with priority given to crime hotspots, informal settlements and major transport corridors.
They said improved lighting would deter criminal activity while supporting businesses operating after dark.
The county security committee said the measures take immediate effect, with enforcement teams already deployed across Kisumu’s sub-counties.
The meeting was attended by members of the county security committee and the county executive, led by County Secretary Hesborn Hongo.
Kisumu has experienced a rise in violent crime in recent months, with residents reporting a growing number of attacks by armed gangs in different parts of the city.
Victims have been robbed, assaulted, maimed and, in some cases, killed, raising concerns over public safety.
Criminal gangs, commonly referred to by residents as goons, have been widely blamed for many of the incidents, particularly in residential estates, business centres and along major roads.
The security situation has been worsened by poor street lighting across large sections of the city.
Many streetlights and high-mast floodlights have remained out of service for extended periods, leaving roads, estates and public spaces in darkness after nightfall.
Residents say the poorly lit areas have become ideal hideouts for criminals, who take advantage of the reduced visibility to ambush pedestrians, motorists and business operators.
Witnesses and victims have repeatedly reported that many of the attackers operate on motorcycles, often riding in groups of three.
The gangs are said to favour Boxer 150 and Honda 150 motorcycles, which enable them to strike quickly before escaping through narrow streets and back roads.
Their targets have included pedestrians carrying valuables, boda boda operators, traders and motorists, with several attacks ending in serious injuries or deaths.
Police have faced mounting criticism from residents and civil society groups over what they describe as a slow and ineffective response to the deteriorating security situation.
Some officers have also been accused of failing to act on intelligence reports, while allegations have emerged that a few have colluded with criminal gangs, claims that police have previously denied.
The continued incidents of robbery, assault and murder have intensified pressure on both the county and national governments to restore law and order and rebuild public confidence in the security agencies.
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