A wave of insecurity is once again sweeping through Kisumu City, leaving residents living in fear and demanding urgent action from security agencies.
The latest victim is veteran journalist Kepher Otieno, a People Daily reporter, who is receiving treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital after a violent night robbery at his home in Nyamasaria.
Otieno was attacked at around 2am by more than 10 armed robbers, five of whom gained access into his house while the rest patrolled the compound, ensuring neighbours could not respond to his cries for help.
“They were out to kill me,” said Otieno, who sustained deep knife cuts on his hands, a swollen body, and a severe head injury.
“These knife marks are from me trying to protect my head and chest. When blood gushed out after one of them hit me on the head, I heard one of them say, ‘We’ve silenced him,’ and they left. I thank God I’m alive today.”
The attackers used iron bars to break the steel main door before storming the house.
Otieno’s son Noven, who was awake at the time, said he heard his father shout for help before five masked thugs entered the house.
“They beat us mercilessly. My uncle, Caleb Onyango, who was visiting, was also attacked. They kept hitting my father’s head repeatedly,” he said.
“They took two television sets, phones and other valuables. Meanwhile, their accomplices outside ensured no one came to our rescue.”
The attack adds to a growing list of robberies reported in various estates including Nyamasaria, Manyatta, Nyalenda, Mamboleo Migosi and Obunga.
Residents now say the city is slowly sliding back to the dark days when gangs operated with impunity.
Just days before Otienor’s attack, six armed robbers raided an M-Pesa shop along Oginga Odinga Street in the city centre at around 7am.
The gang, reportedly armed with an AK-47 and pistols, stormed the shop using an unmarked motorcycle and a saloon car.
They fired two warning shots and beat up the attendants before making away with Sh850,000, phones, and laptops.
Victims David Odhiambo and Grace Mumbi were rushed to Kisumu County Referral Hospital with head injuries but are in stable condition.
Speaking to the media, local resident Mark Owiti said the insecurity had subsided for a while after a public outcry earlier this year, but the situation seems to be spiraling out of control again.
“The gangs are back, and this time they are even bolder. They move in groups of five or more, break into houses and assault families. We are living in fear,” he said.
Residents are now calling on the county security committee and police bosses to act swiftly before more lives are lost.
“It’s not just about theft anymore. These gangs are increasingly violent and reckless. If the authorities don’t act now, we fear more bloodshed,” Owiti added.
