Kakamega County has launched a crackdown after a night raid on Wednesday, February 26, left a trader murdered at Matungu Market in Matungu Constituency, 100 metres away from Matungu Police Station.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa condemned the unfortunate incident and ordered the county's regional commissioner to launch an investigation and ensure the culprits are arrested.
"I strongly condemn the senseless killing of Mr Charles Mukhwana, a shopkeeper at Matungu Market, last night by an unknown gang. It is concerning that this attack occurred just about 100 metres from Matungu Police Station," the governor stated.
"The rising trend of insecurity in Matungu is unacceptable. I urge the regional commissioner and his entire security team to take decisive action and ensure those responsible are brought to justice," he added.
Further, the governor directed all security agencies in the county to intensify efforts to restore and ensure the safety of residents and property from such criminal activities.
Following the unfortunate event, businesses were disrupted for the better part of Thursday in Matungu, as traders took to the streets in protest.
The irate traders blocked roads and set fires while demanding justice. Police officers engaged the traders in running battles, firing teargas in an attempt to disperse them.
According to the traders, the unknown gang raided the market on Wednesday night, looted some shops, and killed one of the traders. The traders revealed that some of the issues they have been going through including power loss for the past two weeks have contributed to the insecurity in the area.
The traders are demanding that the governor provide power and tighten the security in the area.
After committing the crime at Matungu Market, the gang moved to Ejinja Market, where they also carried out a raid.
There has been a rise in insecurity in the Matungu area. In April 2024, political leaders and security officers from Matungu Constituency convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating crime rates in the area.
Matungu has witnessed incidents of violence even in broad daylight during funerals and other public events where rival political supporters attack each other as police watch.
