A Nation Media journalist lost camera and photography equipment worth millions to an emerging crime wave where thieves are using sedatives to facilitate break-ins.
The burglary is just one of many such incidences that have irked Kisumu City residents who suspect that criminals are using anaesthetic drugs to rob them off valuables.
Residents say the criminals spray theatre chemicals to sedate them before breaking into and stealing from their houses.
On Sunday, NMG photographer Tonny Omondi fell victim to the new trick being used to advance crime in the Lakeside city.
Tonny recounted: “I covered the Safaricom Twaweza concert on Saturday night and was driven home safely. Unfortunately, when I woke up, I realised the thugs broke into my house using the kitchen window.
"They stole my gas cooker, camera and photography accessories.”
Kisumu residents association has submitted to authorities in the area that the trend has been on the rise for the last four weeks appealing for a quick intervention by security organs.
The association chairman Audi Ogada told Daily Nation that crime rate was on the rise in the city accusing the police of doing so little to secure residents.
The criminals are believed to be obtaining anaesthetic drugs through the backdoor for the illegal use, an orthopaedic surgeon in Kisumu revealed to the daily.
“The most popular one they use is halothane that is used as an anaesthesia in theatre. It is a volatile drug that evaporates and causes sedation, especially in closed door.
“The sale of the drug is usually restricted but some unscrupulous people may be selling them to criminals over the counter. If used in excess, they cause liver toxicity,” warned the surgeon.
The thugs obtain halothane and spray into the house rendering occupants dead asleep before breaking in and stealing comfortably.
Tonny shared the last photos he took at the Live concert in Kisumu on his social media page.
