Siaya Residents Raise Alarm Over Surge in Abductions and Armed Robberies
Residents of Siaya County are living in fear following a sharp and alarming increase in abductions and violent armed robberies. Communities across the county report that criminal gangs are operating with brazen impunity, often abducting individuals from their homes or along roadsides and holding them for ransom before releasing them after payments are made. These incidents are frequently accompanied by brutal armed robberies, where victims are accosted, threatened, and stripped of their valuables.
The situation has become so dire that residents are now afraid to travel at night or even conduct their daily business, with many reporting that the criminals are well-armed and organized. Local leaders, including area chiefs, have confirmed the worrying trend, noting that the crimes appear to be coordinated and targeted. The pervasive fear has crippled social and economic activities, with calls for urgent intervention growing louder by the day.
In response to the public outcry, Siaya County Commissioner Jim Njoka has acknowledged the security challenge and assured residents that a multi-agency security team is actively addressing the situation. He stated that operations are underway to track down the perpetrators and dismantle the criminal networks responsible. The commissioner has also urged the public to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid in the arrests and restore a sense of safety to the troubled region.