Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Jomo Kenyatta Grounds on Wednesday, Kisumu County Commissioner Pauline Dola, issued an order to shoot and kill armed gangs mostly riding on motorcycles.
Dola declared that a sting operation would be launched to wipe out the organised gangs that have spiralled out of control.
"We know there have been insecurity concerns caused largely by the return of organized crime. We know of armed motorcycle gangs which have been disrupting peace and robbing residents at gunpoint, especially in Milimani. We want to say that your days are numbered and we are going to get rid of you," she declared.
The series of attacks have sparked a public outcry among the residents of Kisumu after they lamented of broad daylight robberies, with some being attacked at gunpoint as well as inside their homes.
In Milimani, where the robbers are said to target the members of the Asian business community, the gangs force their way into homes as owners arrive and rob them of cash and valuables at gunpoint.
According to rights activist Audu Ogada, four deaths have since been reported.
Last month, a police officer was among victims of the armed attacks. The Administrative Officer was shot dead and his rifle stolen.
On Thursday, President Kenyatta is expected to unveil the Universal Health Care (UHC) programme in Kisumu County, at the Mamboleo Show Grounds, where he will be accompanied by opposition chief Raila Odinga.
During the 2017 disputed polls that pitted the two against each other, it is reported that the police had received orders to shoot and kill protesting youth.
