Ex-Sports CS Rashid Echesa has been arrested in relation to the Mutungu killings in Kakamega County where families continue to lose their loved ones in circumstances they cannot explain.
Echesa was arrested during the major security operation launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’í in Kakamega County that aims to flush out gangs that have terrorised residents over the last three months.
Dr Matiang’i, who was particularly angry following the killing of a pregnant woman and her three-year-old daughter, said the criminals had invited the government.
“We have come to meet you face to face. We are here to work because the killing of innocent civilians in an area that has been enjoying peace has attracted us.”
Dr Matiang’í toured Matungu, Mulwanda and Kilingili for the first time since the onset of insecurity three months ago.
During the tour, Matiang’i told residents to prepare for a major security operation targeting criminal gangs raiding homes at night and viciously attacking villagers.
Dr Matiang’í said the government has deployed the paramilitary GSU to hunt down criminals following the brutal murder of 13 people in the last one month.
Police have now zeroed in on three politicians in connection with the killings that have rocked Matungu in Kakamega County over the past month.
The three politicians are suspected to be behind the killings that have left 13 people dead and several others nursing serious injuries.
Kakamega County Commissioner Abdulrizak Jaldesa said the politicians are suspected to be in charge of criminal gangs that have terrorised the constituency and instilled fear in the residents.
So far, 20 killings have been confirmed in Matungu. Of these, 13 were killed by members of gangs calling themselves 42 Brothers and 14 Brothers. Seven others were lynched on suspicion of being members of the gangs, but the story being told on the ground is different.