Police in a tight spot over rising insecurity in Siaya

Siaya County Police Commander Mr Francis Kooli (in blue shirt) addressing fishermen at Usenge beach on Saturday. [Isaiah Gwengi].

Residents of Bondo have accused security officers of laxity in the war against crime.

The accusations follow a spate of murders and kidnappings witnessed in the area in the past few months.

Speaking yesterday, area MP Gideon Ochanda called for an overhaul in the sub-county’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Mr Ochanda said crime had reached alarming levels, with more than three cases of unsolved murders, including the killing of a seven-year-old boy, reported in the past three months.

In the latest incident that happened two weeks ago in Usenge, the body of a woman was found dumped in a pit latrine, 300m from Usenge Police Station.

According to residents, Janet Ogutu was found killed after she went missing from her house the previous night.

Ogutu’s half-naked body was found dumped 100m from her house.

Two months ago, Merceline Awino, 35, was killed in her house in Usigu trading centre in a similar manner. She owned a hotel and shop at the trading centre.

“We are appealing to police, especially the DCI to speed up investigations on a number of incidents that have happened in the area and bring the suspects to book,” said Rodgers Otieno, a human rights defender.

County Police Commander Francis Kooli said they are addressing the issue to ensure security prevails.