Gangsters kill six watchmen in night raid on two markets

A hooded gang of 15 killed six watchmen during raids at two markets in Kathiani sub-county on Wednesday night.

The gangsters first raided Mitaboni market where they butchered five guards during 40 minutes of terror. Independent reports indicate the gang struck at around 12.30am.

The gangsters proceeded to the nearby Ngelani shopping centre where they reportedly killed another guard.

The gang did not steal anything during the attacks on the two shopping centres.

There was no prompt response from an administration police camp that is barely 300 metres from Mitaboni market.

Angered by the attacks, angry residents barricaded roads and lit fires to protest against growing insecurity.

The residents say Kathiani, Mitaboni and Kennol towns have been experiencing robberies and burglaries and no arrests had been made.

They accused both the police and local administration of laxity.

"Most officers have overstayed here and have been extorting money from residents. We want all of them transferred immediately," said one of the protesters.

Area MP Robert Mbui, who addressed the protesters, decried the rising cases of insecurity in the area and called on Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to ensure the criminals are apprehended.

All businesses remained closed as hundreds of residents streamed into the shopping centre to mourn the victims.

At one point, police were forced to fire in the air to disperse protesters who had attacked an administration police officer.

Kathiani OCPD Mildred Odima remained tight-lipped on the matter, saying police were investigating the night raids.

Residents blamed the police for taking too long to respond to distress calls.

Two victims who suffered serious injuries were taken to Wote Level 5 Hospital in Makueni County since doctors in the nearby Machakos Level 5 Hospital were still on strike.

One of the survivors of the attack, who is a guard of Kitulani Supermarket in Mitaboni, said he is lucky to be alive.

"... we spotted a gang wielding all manner of weapons approaching towards us but we immediately ran and locked ourselves inside a store and sounded the siren," said Stephen Katunge, a night guard.

Another guard, Musyoka Muli, gave a chilling account of the brutality attack.

"I miraculously fled from the marauding gang and locked myself inside a toilet but from there I could hear the desperate groans of my colleague Sammy Kakovu who was mercilessly butchered by the attackers," said Muli.