Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has vowed to crack down on organised criminal activity following weekend violence in the county that left two people dead and several motorcycles destroyed.
Prof Nyong’o who spoke after a meeting of the County Security Committee at his office in Kisumu on Monday, said criminal groups would face the full force of the law.
He said the committee had agreed to take firm action against those involved in criminal activities, regardless of whether they were organised, opportunistic, politically sponsored or driven by other interests.
“The law will be applied firmly, impartially and consistently. Kisumu must remain a place where lawful enterprise flourishes and where citizens live without fear,” he said.
The governor rejected suggestions that the violence at the ACK church in Milimani was merely an act of youthful indiscipline.
He said the incident amounted to organised criminal conduct and would be investigated thoroughly, with those responsible prosecuted.
Prof Nyong’o warned that individuals involved in violence, whether acting as members of criminal gangs or on behalf of political or commercial interests, would find no refuge in Kisumu County.
“Those responsible will be identified, arrested, prosecuted and held fully accountable under the law,” he said.
He said the County Security Committee was also concerned about the wider impact of insecurity, arguing that crime undermines economic growth and public confidence.
“Violence discourages investment, disrupts commerce, undermines enterprise and erodes employment opportunities for the very young people who should be the principal beneficiaries of economic growth,” he said.
The governor urged young people to reject violence and instead embrace education, innovation, productive work and responsible citizenship.
He said security operations had so far led to the arrest of about 200 suspects, who would be arraigned in court.
According to Prof Nyong’o, two people died and eight motorcycles were burnt during the weekend violence.
However, Kisumu County Commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo gave a slightly different account, saying two people were killed, one person was injured and nine motorcycles were set ablaze.
Mwabudzo said about 200 suspects had been arrested in ongoing security operations.He added that police responded swiftly after receiving early reports of the incident.
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