By Tobias Ogutu
In the past, it was uncommon to hear gunshots in residential estates unless there was an armed robbery and the police were responding to the situation. However, nowadays, the Kenyan police often respond quickly by firing shots into the air in situations that do not warrant such measures. Is this due to deteriorating discipline within our forces, or has the police code of conduct evolved to permit such inappropriate behavior? Police misconduct is widespread throughout Kenya, as is evident among officers at Kassagam Police Station in Kisumu East Sub-County.
The police officers from Kassagam Police Station frequently patrol within Nyalenda A Ward. Their presence has significantly contributed to improving security in the area. However, recently, they have adopted behavior that negatively affects the community. Specifically, these officers often fire bullets into the air, not to disperse crowds but seemingly to show off and announce their presence. This practice has caused panic among peaceful residents, particularly in the K’LEGO area. The residents live in fear, as gunshots are heard almost every night.
Wycliffe Okoth recounts the events of October 28, 2025, when officers from Kassagam Police Station entered a den where he usually drinks local brew. Upon seeing them, some of the intoxicated individuals fled. However, the police quickly fired a shot into the air, confusing not only those within the immediate area of the operation but throughout the entire neighborhood. According to Wycliffe, firing bullets into the air was unnecessary, as this was not a special operation targeting a dangerous criminal. Surprisingly, the officers asked for the owner of the local brew, moved a few meters away from the group, and after receiving three thousand shillings, they left.
Therefore, one can rightly question the nature of the police response during their operation. Is it truly necessary for officers to fire bullets into the air merely to announce their presence at a local brew joint, only to leave without making a single arrest? Such incidents occur frequently in the K’ALEGO area, disrupting the peace and causing unnecessary tension and chaos.
Alepo Juma, a resident of K’Alego, recounts how his grandfather’s health deteriorated on the night of October 28, 2025, after officers fired shots into the air. According to Alepo, the elderly man had been experiencing hypertension, which was being managed at home. However, upon hearing the loud gunshots just three meters from his house, his condition worsened, forcing him to be rushed to Kisumu Sub-County Hospital.
The same incident has occurred in the Capital, Nyaori, and Kachok areas, where officers from this station have been firing shots into the air on different occasions merely to announce their presence, without conducting any special operations. It has now become common behavior for the officers to fire into the air in unprovoked situations. The residents of Nyalenda A are now questioning what is wrong with these officers or whether this is a normal routine for the Kenya Police during their patrols.
