Outcry over insecurity in Kisumu

Public Outcry Grows Over Worsening Insecurity in Kisumu
A wave of public anger and fear is sweeping through Kisumu County as residents, business owners, and local leaders decry the escalating insecurity that has left communities vulnerable to frequent armed robberies, assaults, and gang violence. The growing outcry follows a series of high-profile incidents, including attacks on businesses, motorists, and pedestrians, creating a pervasive sense of unease across the lakeside county.
In recent weeks, reports of criminal gangs operating with impunity in estates such as Nyalenda, Obunga, and Manyatta have surged. Residents describe near-daily muggings, home invasions, and violent confrontations, often occurring in broad daylight. Local business associations have reported significant losses, citing extortion and looting by armed groups. We are no longer safe in our homes or on our streets. The police response has been inadequate, and we are paying the price, said a representative from a Kisumu traders’ group.
The situation has prompted urgent calls for action from area Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and civil society organizations, who are demanding that County Commissioner Josephine Ouko and Police Commander Gregory Letipila deploy additional officers and implement a sustainable security strategy. We cannot accept this as our new normal. We need visible patrols, better-equipped police units, and meaningful engagement with at-risk youth, insisted a local human rights advocate.
While police have occasionally foiled robberies and made arrests—including a recent incident where officers disrupted a CBD heist—the public remains skeptical that these efforts are enough to dismantle the criminal networks responsible. As frustration mounts, the ability of county and national security agencies to restore order and public confidence is being critically tested. For many in Kisumu, the time for promises has passed—tangible, lasting security is now the only acceptable outcome.