Busia OCPD Kenneth Kimani as he adressed residents of Walatsi ward after thugs raided several homesteads in the area. One of the thugs was killed by the residents moments after an alarm was raised. [Photos | Frankline Bwire | West Fm]

More than 10 suspected thugs invaded several villages in Bukhayo North Location, Nambale district, Busia County where they escaped with unknown number of assorted goods and money.

It is reported that the gang stormed Igara, Siera, Lupida and Dulienge villages in Walatsi location at around 11 pm on Monday beating up the occupants as they moved from one homestead to the other.

According to the victims among them the area civic leader councilor Jack Wambulwa, the gang was armed with crude weapons including a gun, rungus and machete  which they used to scare off the inhabitants as they undertook their activities.

“As they invaded my house, the one with a gun remained on my window and kept on pointing at me as I surrendered everything that I had including Sh 35,000 and a mobile phone,” said Wambulwa, adding that the thugs claimed to have been sent by his political rival who wanted his head if at all he did not adhere to their demands.

He added that: “Luckily enough as they left my home, the local residents mobilized themselves very fast and managed to kill one of the suspected thugs, who mentioned some names amongst them a police officer from Bungoma alleged to have been transferred from Kimaeti to Bungoma.”

Speaking to West FM at Siera village, the local residents however, blamed police officers from the County for laxity in their line of duties following the slow response especially when called during attacks.

They claimed that despite informing the relevant officers on time, their response has been that there is no fuel and a vehicle to reach the area of incident, a move which has left many of them in suspense over issues of insecurity which have continued to escalate.

Councillor Jack Wambulwa of Walatsi civic ward show the Busia OCPD the damage caused by the thugs at his home before they took away with cash, mobile phones, foodstuffs and other valuables.

Confirming the incident, Busia OCPD Kenneth Kimani said they have launched investigations to ensure that the law takes its course against those who were involved.

He urged the local residents to work closely with police officers through providing vital information that will lead to the arrest of the suspected criminals.

“Much as we have measures in place among them patrols to curb insecurity cases, we must also participate fully to maintain security in our areas,” said Kimani, advising them to buy whistles that will help raise alarm in case of any danger.

However, the area residents have petitioned the government to consider constructing a patrol base in the area to help beef up security in the area, besides providing a vehicle that will help in the patrol exercise.