Kakamega residents living in fear following mysterious murder of four

Members of the public gather as a suspect in custody leads police to the body of Meshack Shibweche at a sewage line in Kakamega town on August 13, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] Fear has gripped Kakamega county following a chilling wave of insecurity that has left several killed and others injured. On Monday night, the gang killed three night guards in separate incidents. Shockingly, the gang does not steal anything from their victims and has been operating deep in the night. The chilling murders, which occurred in the Lurambi area, have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for urgent police action. The first body was discovered near Lurambi Police Station, dumped inside a calabash bush, just a few metres from the station. The night guard is said to have been guarding a hardware store in Lurambi. Residents were left in shock at how such a brazen killing could occur so close to a police post. Hours later, another body was found at a nearby timber yard. The second guard had been stabbed in the stomach and left to die. Nothing had been stolen from the yard, fueling suspicions that the attackers were not motivated by robbery. The third murder happened at Stage Mandazi, a busy stage. The victim was a watchman hacked to death in cold blood. Again, nothing was taken from the scene. "This is no longer just a crime. It is a slaughter," said Mary Wabwile, a trader in Lurambi. "We are being hunted at night, and no one knows who will be next," said another resident. What has baffled both locals is the fact that the gang never steals. Residents of Lurambi, Amalemba, Shirere, and other parts of Kakamega town are now living in fear. Business owners are closing early, and security guards are either fleeing their jobs or requesting to work in groups for safety. "We used to worry about thieves. Now we're worried about murderers who don't even want our property-just our lives," said Peter Muyesu, a boda boda rider. Business owners now say police have been slow to act, and the killers seem to operate with impunity. "How do you kill someone and dump the body a stone's throw from the police station? We need serious action, not just statements. Our business is in danger because who will work for us now that someone has been killed? Who would want to work where someone was killed?" said Fredrick Abungano. Last week, the body of an unidentified man was found burned to death and dumped at the Makunga area along the Mumias-Busia Road. The man is alleged to be a member of a youthful gang operating in Kakamega at night. Two people are currently receiving treatment at Kakamega General Hospital after they were attacked last week. The residents are now demanding immediate intervention by the national government, including night patrols, surveillance cameras, and deployment of crime intelligence units. The motive behind the killings remains unknown. Some residents fear the murders could be linked to cultic rituals or revenge missions, but no clear pattern has been established. Kakamega Central OCPD Vincent Cherutich said police have launched an investigation into the incident. He, however, said there is an operation being done at night by security agencies to get rid of gangs and criminals terrorising residents and stealing their properties. "We have an operation going on at night to get rid of criminals, but regarding the incidents that happened, the police are doing investigations. I can guarantee our people maximum security both for their lives and properties," said Cherutich. The killings have reignited memories of horror, where two years ago, there was a gang that killed at least 10 night guards.

Kakamega residents living in fear following mysterious murder of four

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Kakamega residents living in fear following mysterious murder of four

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