Police arrest 30 in move to stem crime

Kisumu, Kenya: Over 30 people were arrested in Kisumu over the weekend in an operation aimed at clearing criminal gangs that have been terrorising residents.

The two-day operation saw plain-clothes officers comb the Central Business District and areas believed to be hideouts for gangs, including Kondele, Car Wash and Kisumu main bus stage.

Nyanza Regional Police Co-ordinator Willy Lugusa said the police apprehended the suspects with several contraband and illegal brews.

“We recovered electronic equipment suspected to have been stolen. We also recovered several litres of illegal brews. The suspects will be charged in court with various offences,” said Mr Lugusa.

This comes a week after The Standard newspaper reported the activities of two competing criminal gangs; ‘American Marine’ and ‘China Squad’ that have become major security concerns in the city.

Members of the ‘China Squad’ are said to have allegedly stripped and tortured youths in broad daylight along a busy street in Kisumu.

The incident sparked an uproar from residents, leaders and traders who are now fearing that Kisumu may slip back to what it was a few years back.

The gang has also been accused of accumulating wealth through criminal activities, including land grabbing, promoting political ideologies and gang robberies.

        PUBLIC CONCERN

They have also threatened area journalists who report issues relating to their activities. Two Star newspaper journalists have since reported claims of being targeted by the groups.

Mr Lugusa, however, said the operations were normal police operations aimed at maintaining peace and security.

“It is true that we have stepped up operations in the town, but it is not tied to recent media reporting although we appreciate the work of the media,” said Lugusa.

He said it has been a challenge for the police to identify members of the said criminal gangs due to their amorphous nature. Lugusa called upon the public to volunteer confidential information, which may help in reaching the gangs’ leaders.

Some residents led by members of civil society groups, however, claimed the gangs have ‘pocketed’ the police, who ignore public concerns on their activities.

But speaking to The Standard in his office yesterday, Lugusa vowed to stamp out organised criminal gangs, adding that his office was open to the public and asked them to give him direct information if they don’t trust the junior officers.

“The criminals live among the residents so it is time the public helped us to fight these gangs. Every market must have a mad man, hence a few individuals in the police service may not be doing the right thing but let that information reach me and blame me, if I don’t act,” said Lugusa.