Activists and civil society organizations have demanded an urgent overhaul of all security agencies in Kisumu City following a surge in criminal activities that have resulted in deaths and injuries. The calls come after a series of attacks by criminal gangs that have terrorized the local population, leaving residents fearful and vulnerable.
Human rights activist Boniface Akach accused local security forces of neglecting their duty, leaving residents exposed to these gangs. He expressed frustration at the lack of action, despite the government allocating resources to law enforcement and granting them legal powers and equipment.
Akach also criticized police stations in Kisumu, alleging widespread corruption. He claimed that police officers at Kondele and Kasagam stations were extorting bribes from local small-scale traders, while criminals roamed freely. “Police vehicles are seen moving around wine and spirit shops collecting bribes while criminals terrorize the community,” Akach said.
Addressing the media at Kisumu Law Courts, Akach called for an immediate shake-up within the local police force. He suggested that officers who have served in the area for more than three years should not only be transferred but also investigated and held accountable for the rising crime rate. He warned that if the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service (NPS) failed to take action within seven days, activists and civil society groups would stage protests, occupying police stations, particularly in Kondele and Kasagam.
Akach also expressed frustration with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) for its slow response to complaints, including incidents of excessive force during protests. He blamed this inaction for the current state of insecurity.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Kisumu Chapter Chair, Dorcas Akinyi, added that the National Police Service had lost its focus, prioritizing harassment and abductions instead of addressing the escalating crime wave. She lamented that state resources were being misused on harassment efforts, while actual criminals continued to operate with impunity.