The national government has intensified security operations in Kisumu following fresh reports of extortion, intimidation and violence linked to criminal groups in key markets and transport centres.
Security agencies warned that they will not relent until the groups are dismantled.
According to Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, the organised gangs are resurfacing, particularly in Kibuye Market and sections of the bus park.
Leparmorijo warned that security agencies have been instructed to act decisively to ensure the groups are disbanded.
He noted that they will not allow any group to undermine the peace currently being experienced within the lakeside city.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, he credited improved political stability to the handshake between the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
“The government is determined to safeguard that peace. We are not going to allow criminal elements to disrupt the progress this city has made. Anyone found to be destabilising public order will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The County Commissioner noted that extortion activities previously witnessed at Kibuye Market had resulted in deaths, stressing that the ongoing operations would continue until the hotspots are fully secured.
He urged the county government to fast-track reforms aimed at restoring proper management of public markets and curbing the influence of illegal groups.
Leparmorijo stressed that they cannot permit individuals to intimidate traders under the guise of market leadership.
“I want to encourage residents to cooperate with security officers by reporting suspicious activities,” he said, adding that community vigilance is especially important during the festive season.
He further commended police officers for keeping crime under control, saying the city had not recorded recent cases of robberies or muggings.
He also highlighted ongoing national government investments in Kisumu, including Affordable Housing projects in Lumumba, Upper Kanyakwar, Ahero, Sondu, Kisumu West, Kisian and Muhoroni; the Mamboleo–Chemelil Road; the Kabonyo-Kanyagwal Fisheries Centre of Excellence, among others, arguing that such developments will help address unemployment, one of the major triggers of crime.
