Anxiety in Nyakach over murder of MP’s parents

By DENNIS ONYANGO and KEVINE OMOLLO

The foul murder incident in which gangs raided the home of Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, killed his parents before setting their house ablaze in an alleged revenge attack has sparked anxiety in the area. It is now a blame game between the police and residents as gangs take over the lakeside region. In Muhoroni Sub-County, locals along Muhoroni-Nandi boarder are locked up in a tough land tussle.

The case that has claimed more than five lives recently is believed to have been triggered by politicians who are out to trigger violence between the two communities. Most farms in the area have remained unplanted for seasons as criminals destroy crops in various raid incidents. 

The upsurge in insecurity forced the cabinet secretary in charge of the Interior docket Joseph ole Lenku and police chief David Kimaiyo to hold a crisis meeting with leaders and security apparatus in the area yesterday.

“We have never fought for land in this county ever since. The timing of these incidences disturbs everybody in the county,” said Kisumu governor Jacktone Ranguma.

The vicious murder of Aduma’s further Francis Owuor, 83, and mother Francisca Mary,62, on Thursday night has resuscitated the long pending hatred between locals and the police.

Residents allege some police work in cahoots with gangs to rob locals, pointing out instances where criminals have been caught with police uniforms. They also claim some known cattle rustlers who later turn to haunt them have been released by police under unclear circumstances.

“Cattle rustling in the area has a long history because the police have refused to act. We now feel very scared following what has happened,” said Tobias Okelo, a resident. Kisumu City Residents Association chairman Audi Ogada claimed some security officers have overstayed in their working stations to the extent that they enjoy a ‘good working relationship’ with locals, including gangs

“Police transfers are very healthy once members of the public cannot trust the security organ,” he said.

County Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga asked the security apparatus to explain the increased incidences of insecurity in the region and stopped short of hinting that police are seeking Aduma’s life.

Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch claimed police had been implicated in several insecurity incidences. 

A resident of Nyakach claimed there was a gang roaming freely at the early hours of the night, causing fear among residents. He alleged some of them (residents) have opted to form vigilante groups due to what he termed negligence by the security apparatus.

The police have, however, denied the claims, and instead accused the public of harbouring criminals. The County Commissioner Lorna Odero assured the public that the government is committed to reinstating security in the area and asked locals to volunteer information about criminals to the police for legal action. A spate of criminal attacks has been witnessed in the area in the last three months. A Danish missionary, Kristensen Jan, 73, was strangled to death after four armed robbers suspected to be administration policemen guarding the Kisumu Pipeline Company next to Kisumu International Airport raided his home.

In August, a suspected serial killer was arrested and over six bodies allegedly retrieved from his home.

The situation nearly reached tipping point during campaigns for the 2013 General Election, with the emergence of two rival gangs — Chinese Squad and American Marine.