Union protests killing of five guards in Kilingili, demands action

A union has expressed concerns about the frequent violent attacks targeting private security guards.

The Kenya National Private Security Workers Union is now calling for the immediate arming of guards following the macabre murder of five security men at Kilingili trading centre in Vihiga on March 2.

The union’s Secretary General Isaac Andabwa said some of the deaths could be prevented if guards were allowed to carry guns, which they could use to defend themselves in the event of an attack.

Mr Andabwa made the appeal during the election of KK Security shop stewards at the Industrial Area branch.

It is believed Thomas Lusiolo, Linus Anyika, Francis Jojo Osayo, John Ondachi, and Charles Kalume were killed by a criminal gang. Seventeen suspects have been arrested and arraigned in court over the killings.

“We expect the process of arming guards to be fast-tracked now that it is evident they are defenceless. A guard should be able to protect himself or herself against violent attacks,” said Andabwa.

The union boss said the Kilingili incident was not an isolated incident as similar killings had occurred in Machakos, Garissa, Kakamega and Lamu counties.

He also urged authorities to involve guards in security briefings.