Three politicians linked to Matungu gang killings

Kakamega Police Commandant Wilkister Vera and Matungu lawmaker Justus Murunga in a security meeting held at Matungu over the recent killings. [Chrispen Sechere, Standard]

Police are investigating three politicians over the wave of insecurity in Matungu that has left more than 20 people dead and 50 others injured.

Police have maintained that 13 people were killed by gangsters while the rest were lynched by residents.

The three, a sitting MP, an influential ward rep and a former parliamentary aspirant are suspected to be funding the gang behind the deadly attacks.

A source privy to the investigations yesterday intimated to The Standard that police have enough reasons to suspect that the politicians are linked to the gang.

On Monday, security chiefs in the area, led by Kakamega County Commissioner, Jaldesa Abdiruzak, held an eight-hour closed-door meeting in Matungu to figure out how to end the attacks.

Others in the meeting included the county director of criminal investigations, John Onyango, Kakamega Prisons boss Henry Ochieng and county police commander Wilkister Vera.

Addressing the press at Matungu National Government Constituencies Development Fund offices after the meeting, Mr Abdiruzak confirmed that three prominent politicians from the county are on the police radar but declined to name them.

“The politicians are yet to record statements with the police but once we get enough evidence to hold them culpable, they will be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law,” said Abdiruzak

Police are investigating whether the attacks are connected to political rivalry ahead of 2022 polls and whether gangs of youths are being used to spread fear and scare opponents.

“Those involved are young people aged below 25 and are being misused by the politicians for personal and selfish gains,” said Abdiruzak.

One of the politicians is suspected to be the main financier of a gang calling itself 42 Brothers.

The second politician is suspected of sponsoring another gang calling itself 14 Brothers.

Matungu MP Justus Murunga, who also attended the security meeting, called for the arrest and prosecution of any politician involved in the gang attacks.

"No politician is above the law and we cannot continue to watch as our people are butchered in cold blood,” said the MP.