Following the recent killings in Kakamega County, more so in Matungu sub county, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has called for a shaking up in the security sector in the County. Over the last month, at least 13 people have been killed, with Matungu bearing the bulk of the cases. Residents have connected the murders to a machete-wielding gang that has been terrorizing them. Some leaders have already faulted security officers and blamed them for being lax in their task, with the latest victim, a night guard, who was found dead at a petrol station in Kakamega town.
Senator Malala said security officers in the County must be transferred to other regions, not nearby stations,” When they are transferred they should go to places like Mandera…we need new officers who will help us.” He has also decried the inadequate number of police officers who are operating in the County, saying they are few. “In Matungu we have only 42 APs. Those who are responsible for deploying officers should deploy more officers,” he said. He said some officers are always busy looking for bribes in the town instead of serving Kenyans at the grass root level, where crimes go unpunished.
Earlier in the week, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya urged residents of Matungu to divulge any information they have concerning the suspected gang members. He urged residents to also cooperate with new incoming officers to tame the insecurity in the area.