By Anyango Ellyne
‘It is visible that an effort at strengthening the security architecture necessary for guaranteeing security is ongoing. However, what is more worrying is the steady rise of criminal activities in Kisumu County and its environs. Armed robberies, violent attacks, break-ins, the re-emergence of youth groups (organized and non-organized), rivalries is causing panic, tension and anxiety, coupled with the reality of joblessness. The trend, if allowed to continue, is a horrific disaster in waiting which must be addressed firmly and decisively without fear or favour.
The strongest interface between politics and security is in the political instruments of organized gangs that are often the primary actors in politically related violence across the board. Purposely speaking, there is an urgent need to call for a Multi-Sectoral Security Meeting that can help facilitate a communication breakthrough. Let people be included so that they share their experiences, testimonies and ask questions. Stakeholders will feel included, heard, considered, and understood.
It is my strong conviction and belief that security is a shared responsibility of all citizens, and therefore we must have a forum to hear the views of all stakeholders on whatever should be done to end insecurity in Kisumu because the cause outweighs the risk. Kisumu residents are living in Abject Fear; businesses are closing down early, security guards (watchmen) are being hacked daily, defilement and rape cases are on the increase, innocent citizens continue to lose their livelihoods.”
This was part of the latest letter written by Audi Ogada, Kisumu City and residents’ voice chairman. It was addressed to the County Commissioner, the Governor and all the elected leaders of Kisumu County. Inside the letter, various cases of insecurity were raised, from robberies to murders.
The most common were the attacks on watchmen; A watchman was attacked at Migosi Primary School around midnight by two boys on a boda boda. JOOTRH couldn’t attend to him because he didn’t have SHA. A watchman and residents were attacked around midnight behind Ogango Primary, Kamakaa area, a watchman was attacked in Millimani around 6.00 am on his way to work. He is admitted at Inuka Hospital; a watchman was attacked near Kosawo Primary School. Audi Ogada also mentioned that this was his 20th letter so far, highlighting these concerns without so much as a reply.
No government official has addressed any of these concerns as the cases continue to take an alarming toll. According to Audi Ogada, the constitution gives all citizens the right to speak out and be heard. He has been the voice of the residents of Kisumu and is only asking for his pleas to be heard.
