A group of security guards in Nyalenda, Kisumu County have been accused of turning into a vigilante gang causing harm and terror to residents who are unlucky enough to cross paths with them.
Operating from the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO) plant, the guards are said to be taking advantage of the uncontrolled activity within the sewage treatment centre.
One victim, 31-year-old Kevin Okia, was left with life-threatening wounds after being beaten unconscious allegedly by the gang before a good samaritan rushed him to the Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Narrating his story to The Standard, Okia gave an account of what he went through after he and a friend were accused of illegal fishing within the ponds by the guards who chose to reign terror on them without offering a chance for dialogue to defend themselves against the accusations.
“On April 5, while on my way home from after visiting a friend we bumped into them. They accused us of fishing inside the ponds, and without letting us respond, they landed on us with beatings. My friend escaped. I slid and fell.
''I was hit in abdomen and chest losing consciousness and finding myself in the hospital courtesy of a good samaritan who found me wounded.''
Kevin Okia is yet to report the matter to authorities as he was still recovering and under medication at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Residents are accusing guards employed by private security firm Pride Kings Security Services Limited as the perpetrators of terror on them, the guards have been contracted to guard KIWASCO ponds.
Pride King Security Services has denied the claims that their guards been responsible for harming at least eight people, who have been victims to the merciless guards within a span of one month.
“We have four guards at the ponds who work in shifts of two, during day and night. We previously had our normal security guards, but the community was wild against them for preventing them from fishing there,” said Vincent Atong’, the human resource manager at the security firm.
On a phonecall with Kenyans.co.ke Kisumu County Police Commander Ranson Lolmodol said that his team is investigating the matter, and will give conclusive information once he gets all the details.
"I can not speak on this from an unknown angle I have a team investigating it, we shall know the truth and culprits apprehended once my team get done with their work.''
Lolmodol also encouraged residents to always ensure they report acts insecurity to the police for quick action on the perpetrators.
