Residents of Kisumu have called off a demonstration that had been planned for Thursday after welcoming what they described as intensified police operations targeting criminal gangs.
Kisumu City Residents Voice chairman Audi Ogada said the decision followed ongoing security operations that had led to the arrest of suspected gang members and the recovery of illegal firearms and suspected stolen property.
“We appreciate the effort so far witnessed,” Ogada said in a statement on Wednesday.
The group urged police to maintain increased day and night patrols and improve response times to emergency calls, adding that residents and businesses deserved greater protection.
The planned protest had been intended to draw attention to what residents describe as rising insecurity in the lakeside city.
“We have reported a series of violent incidents in recent weeks, including burglaries, assaults and robberies in several neighbourhoods,” Ogada said.
According to CCTV footage recorded on July 30, 2026 showed three men wearing hooded clothing forcing open a metal gate at a property in the Kibos area before stealing several items, including a television.
Separate CCTV footage recorded early on Wednesday is also said to show three suspects forcing open gates and stealing property.
Residents also said a man identified as Kennedy Goga was attacked by suspected thugs in the Manyatta area, suffering serious head injuries while his vehicle was vandalised and valuables stolen.
They said he was admitted to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.
In another incident reported by residents, a man identified as Mohamed was allegedly struck by two motorcycles near Orenge Point before being hit on the back of the head with what witnesses described as a steel rod.
Residents said Good Samaritans rushed him to Lumumba Hospital. The public members identified several areas, including Ondiek Estate, Lumumba Estate and the Vosh Church-Khetias Road corridor.
Other areas are roads near Crisco Church, Laos SDA Church and the railway and juvenile sections, as locations where they say attacks occur frequently.
Residents called on the County Security and Intelligence Committee to sustain the ongoing operations, improve street lighting, increase police patrols and take stronger action against criminal gangs allegedly operating with illegal firearms.
Police said three suspects have been arrested in connection to the alleged violent robbery. Kisumu County Police Commander Hillary Toroitich said manhunt for other suspects are ongoing.
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