Residents raise alarm over rising cases of insecurity

By James Omoro

Homa Bay, Kenya: Residents of Kalanya Kanyango location in Homa Bay District have expressed concern over the escalating cases of insecurity in the area.

Jane Akoth (not her real name) is a victim of the rising cases of insecurity.  The 22-year-old married mother of two is yet to recover from her rape ordeal that took place in August last year. She was on her way from a funeral of a kinsman accompanied by her brother-in-law when unknown people accosted them.

 The gangsters slashed the brother-in-law with a panga and then grabbed her and threatened to kill her if she screamed.

Three suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the matter.

Boaz Odete has been forced to interrupt her Class Eight daughter’s learning by transferring her to one of the schools in Migori County because of fears of kidnapping.

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Sources

Odete says unknown people went to his home in February this year and attempted to kidnap the 15-year-old girl. The 38-year-old man says the minor had gone for a short call outside the house at around 10pm when four men got hold of her and carried her away.

But she raised alarm before villagers managed to rescue her two hours later.

“My daughter suffered psychological torture and could not concentrate on her academic work here. I had to move her to another school in Migori County,” Odete says.

Businessmen at Rodi Kopany township, which also falls within the location, have also expressed concerns over frequent cases of burglary in the area.

Chairman of Rodi Taxpayers Association Forum Benard Anyach, who also operates a retail shop at Rodi Kopany, says thugs who use homemade guns have made a comeback.

“Many criminals have now taken advantage of interdiction of former Chief Joseph Obuya who had eradicated manufacture of these guns,” says Anyach.

Joseph Odiembo said cases of cattle rustling are also on the rise.  “Insecurity is on the rise and we are even forced to go for short calls in basins at night due to fear of our safety,” Odiembo says.