President Uhuru Kenyatta is touring ODM leader Raila Odinga’s backyard today Thursday, but what should we expect? Will his visit have some long time consequences to the residents? His visit has pronounced harm to dreaded armed gangs whose days have been numbered. Police have been authorised to shoot dead armed gangs that have recently been terrorising the residents of Kisumu, robbing them at gunpoint and in their homes.
County Commissioner, Pauline Dola, on Wednesday, December 12, announced that a shoot to kill order had been issued against the motorcycle operating gangs blamed for the recent wave of insecurity in Kisumu.
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Jomo Kenyatta Grounds, Dola said operations of the organised gangs had spiraled out of control and a sting operation would be launched to smoke out the criminals.
“We know there have been insecurity concerns caused largely by the return of organised crime. We know of armed motorcycle gangs which have been disrupting peace and robbing at gun point residents, especially in Milimani. We want to say that your days are numbered and we are going to get rid of you,” she said.
Dola said some of the suspects had already been arrested and charged, one felled and the hunt was on for those still on the loose. The directive follows a recent public outcry sparked by a series of armed attacks, some perpetrated in broad daylight.
In November 2018, a police officer was among victims of the armed attacks. The Administrative Officer was shot dead and his rifle stolen. Four more deaths have been reported according to rights activist Audu Ogada. In Milimani where the gangs are said to target the members of the Asian business community, the gangs force their way into homes as owners make their way in and rob them of cash and valuables at gunpoint.
It was because of the recent incidents of insecurity that the shoot to kill order issued considering the gang could take advantage of the visit by President Uhuru Kenyatta to perpetuate their criminal activities. If shot to death, the gangs will add up to the massive deaths in the lake side region that came as as result of the past 2017 polls violence.
Lawyer Miguna Miguna had earlier condemned the visit, terming it as an insult to the people of Nyanza following the killings witnessed during the past 2017 polls. How do you regard Uhuru’s visit to the lakeside region?