Kakamega County has witnessed the emergence and evolution of criminal gangs, with Matungu believed to be a breeding ground for such groups.
Among the latest gangs to surface are the Nairobi Flying Squad and Stendi Chang'aa.
According to Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia, his security committee will be visiting Matungu to devise strategies aimed at curbing insecurity and gang-related terror.
However, Macharia expressed his disappointment with the performance of security agents, saying they had failed in eliminating the gangs.
"I will be leading my security team to the area. We intend to completely stamp out these gangs. My officers have failed the test. However, I want to assure the residents of Kakamega and the wider Western region that we will deal with these criminal gangs mercilessly," said Macharia.
The Stendi Chang'aa gang is reported to have the backing of some politicians and is notorious for causing chaos and stealing food at funerals.
Last month, the gang disrupted the funeral of Senior Chief Agostino Odongo in Chibanga, Matungu. The ceremony was abruptly halted as mourners fled for safety.
Governor Fernandes Barasa had just arrived at the funeral, accompanied by a crowd, county government officials, other leaders, and Isukuti dancers, when rowdy youths attacked his entourage believed to be supporters of area MP Peter Nabulindo and former Cabinet Secretary for Sports Rashid Echesa, both who have been at odds with the county chief.
The attackers hurled chairs at one another, dismantled tents, and in no time, the venue was vacated, depriving family members of the opportunity to pay their last respects.
They then raided the catering unit, stealing food, utensils, and other valuables. They fled when police officers intervened by deploying teargas canisters. Several people, including the officers, sustained injuries.
The Nairobi Flying Squad gang specifically targets business people and local residents in their homes, posing as police officers searching for criminals or drugs. They are normally armed with guns.
In 2019, Matungu made headlines when the 42 and 14 Brothers gangs killed 26 people within three months.
The 42 Brothers gang, the oldest and deadliest gang, originated in Matungu but has since spread across the county and beyond.
Paka Mang'aa is another notorious gang with roots in Khwisero, where it has been terrorising residents, particularly at funerals, where they steal food and attack mourners.
In Butere Constituency, the Jeshi Jinga gang has been responsible for a series of gruesome killings, particularly last year.
So bold is the gang that it sends text messages to its victims prior to their attacks, warning them of the planned strikes, which are often carried out to steal cattle. Those who resist are mercilessly killed.
