Bungoma gangsters should be dealt with firmly

Bungoma is a troubled county. From trouble in the county assembly where members impeached two executives recently to Ford-K where a coup against party leader Moses Wetang'ula has raised political temperatures, residents have, in the last two months, had to contend with marauding criminal gangs that have left destruction in their wake. 

Seven people have so far been killed by the gangs while 20 are nursing injuries. Witness accounts state that the gangs comprise youngsters aged between 15 and 27 years. Worse, and this creates room for suspicion, the gang members are normally adorned in police uniform and carry guns. 

Though the area police command disputes the possible involvement of officers, residents claim some unscrupulous officers collude with the criminals. It is easy to agree with the public view because first, for more than two months, no arrests have been made to convince residents the police are in control. Second, these attacks occur during the Covid-19 curfew hours, a time when police officers are on patrol in large numbers. 

Similar situations have been reported in other parts of the country. Criminals live among society and are clearly known. While society has a duty to report matters to the police, the relationship between the two has never been of trust. Often, people volunteering valuable information find themselves on the wrong end of the stick by suffering reprisals.

Where police involvement is suspected, no information can be forthcoming. Nonetheless, the Bungoma gangs should be dealt with in the same manner that the Matungu gangs in Kakamega were dealt with. To succeed, the police have to be friendly to citizens, protect their identities and guarantee them security.