Residents protest at killings by vigilantes

Hundreds of Ogango residents in Kolwa yesterday protested the killing of a motorcycle rider in the area by a vigilante group.

They also decried spiraling insecurity in the area.

Willis Obura Awinda alias chief was stabbed to death by members of the vigilante group and the body burnt.

No one has been arrested in connection with the killing, which sparked massive protest in the area.

Area MCA George Omondi, who led the protest, called for immediate arrest of the killers.

Omondi complained that Ogango residents were being regularly targeted by the vigilante in the name of fighting crime, noting they were terrorising innocent wananchi and beating people at night.

The ‘armed vigilantes’ also attacked three boda boda riders as colleagues watched in disbelief on Saturday mid-day near Makaa estate.

They stabbed one of the riders and beat the others insensate.

The MCA and Kisumu human rights groups decried the activities of the vigilante group.

Omondi asked the police to investigate the incidents.

In the last two weeks, a watchman at Kibuye market was found murdered in cold blood and another victim was also stabbed. A retired teacher was attacked, raped and murdered in cold blood in Rabuor market.

"If the gangs can strike and stab people in broad day light, then who is safe here?" posed Omondi.

The MCA termed the killing of Obura as “bizarre and painful to all residents”.

Yesterday, Kisumu East OCPD Ancent Kiloki and East Assistant Commissioner Josephine Ouko held a baraza in the area even as the police arrested one of the vigilantes.

Ouko also announced that a team of investigators and regular beat patrol police will stay put in the area to restore calm.

Kiloki also reassured the residents increased security throughout the Christmas and New Year festivities.