Gunmen attack residents as insecurity worsens in Kuria

Peter Rioba is nursing gunshot injuries at Migori County Referral Hospital after being shot by robbers at Getonganya Shopping Centre in Kuria West Sub-county on the evening of May 18, 2025. (Caleb Kingwara, Standard)

Residents of Kuria have raised concerns over increasing cases of insecurity in Kuria West and Kuria East sub-counties, which have left several people injured.

On Sunday, seven people were injured after six gunmen stormed a petrol station at Getong'anya Market Centre, stealing an undisclosed amount of money.

One of the attendants at the station sustained serious injuries from a machete attack.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers fired several rounds of ammunition, injuring two people and seriously wounding five others with crude weapons before escaping on motorbikes.

Residents reported that the injured victims were rushed to Nyamekongoroto Hospital, with others later transferred to Ojele and Migori County Referral Hospital for treatment.

Peter Rioba, one of the victims receiving treatment at Migori County Referral Hospital, said he and others were resting outside a shop near the petrol station when the attack happened.

"We were resting outside a shop next to the petrol station when we heard a gunshot. Unfortunately, as I tried to escape, I was shot in my left leg," said Rioba.

Another victim, Samson Nchama, said he was shot while trying to flee after hearing the gunfire.

"It was still early in the day when they came while people were going about their business. When I heard the gunshots, I tried to run, but I encountered one of the robbers who fired several bullets at me, injuring my left arm and chest," said Nchama.

Stephen Chacha, a resident of Getong'anya, said this was not the first such attack in the area.

"People were injured, including an eight-year-old child. We need security and protection like other Kenyans. We want a proper police station here; the current police post with just three officers is not sufficient," said Chacha.

Peter Nyakundi, a trader, said two of his workers were injured and are being treated at Ojele Memorial Hospital.

"I run an electronics shop where we repair phones. Two young men who work for me were injured and admitted to Ojele Memorial Hospital. I urge the police to investigate and find those responsible," said Nyakundi.

The incident comes just a day after residents of Kehancha town raised the alarm over rising insecurity.

Elder Maroa Muhingira expressed concern over persistent insecurity in both Kuria East and Kuria West sub-counties.

"We know that in areas like Gwitembe, we have not enjoyed good security," he said, urging authorities to take swift action.

Efforts to get a comment from Migori County Police Commander Francis Nguli were unsuccessful, as he directed inquiries to Kuria West Sub-County Police Commander Reuben Bett. However, Bett said he was in a meeting and could not comment at the time.