Rampant night attacks and break-ins put Kisii villages on edge

Residents of Motonyoni village in Masaba South, Kisii County, are living in constant fear as a string of break-ins and night burglaries has swept through their community over the past two months. More than 20 houses have been targeted, with thieves entering unoccupied homes—many belonging to owners who work in urban areas—and making off with household goods ranging from mattresses and TVs to gas cylinders. The Star
The wave of crime has not spared local places of worship: two Seventh-Day Adventist churches, Motonyoni and Motondege, were also broken into. At Motonyoni, liturgical items used during Passover services were stolen, while at Motondege, thieves made off with electronic musical equipment. The Star+1 In some instances, the same homes have been targeted repeatedly—one family reported raids on their compound up to four times in a month. The Star Despite alarm systems and vigilance from some residents, there have been no physical confrontations; the intruders have predominantly struck when houses are empty. The Star
Many residents are frustrated by what they see as a lack of effective response from local security agencies. Information shared during community barazas (meetings) has not translated into arrests or prosecutions. Abel Mathayo, a villager, expressed concern over the failure to act despite clear leads. The Star Another resident, Everline Kerubo, said she’s lost faith in such gatherings, as they rarely lead to concrete outcomes. The Star Local assistant chief Stanley Osumo has promised more robust security measures in the coming weeks. The Star
The fallout from these incidents is already being felt in the wider Kisii area. Business owners in Kisii town have shut down shops in fear of spillover looting, and police patrols have increased in response to mounting public anxiety. The Star As tension builds, villagers are calling on authorities to not only investigate but also to prosecute those responsible—and restore a sense of safety. With pressure mounting, the next few weeks may determine whether this crime wave is met with decisive action or another round of blame and broken promises.