Four arrested over gang attack on villages in Bungoma

Western Regional Coordinator Mwongo Chimwaga (center), Samuel Nyayiemi(right), the County Director of Housing. [photo: Chrispen Sechere].

Four people have been arrested in connection with an attack on three villages in Bumula Constituency, Bungoma County.

Among the six people injured in the Sunday night incident were women who were raped and a minor defiled by the gang during the invasions in Watoya, Kibachenje and Mukhuma villages.

The victims were admitted to a private facility in Bungoma.

Bungoma County Commissioner Joshua Chepchieng' said the police took immediate action after the assaults were reported and arrested four suspects.

Mr Chepchieng' said the suspects were helping police to unmask other members of the gang, adding they would be arraigned in court once the probe was complete.

"We moved swiftly and the information we received gave us four suspects.

"We are happy to report the four have been arrested and are currently helping police with investigations,” he said.

Chepchieng’ said it was not a politically motivated attack as the gang was specifically after items that included a bicycle and mobile phones.

The county commissioner said  the gang searched for valuables in another homestead and on finding none, decided to slaughter a chicken and cook it alongside 32 eggs.

He pointed out that political attacks usually follow a particular pattern, where victims are asked specific questions and goons wear party logos.

Meanwhile, politicians have been warned against interfering with investigations launched on attacks by armed gangs in some parts of Western Kenya.

This follows recent attacks witnessed in parts of Kakamega and Bungoma where residents were left injured and scores admitted to hospital.

Addressing journalists in his office yesterday, regional co-ordinator Mwogo Chimwanga said they were probing two incidents in Kakamega and Bungoma counties where more than eight people were critically injured.

He said police had arrested two suspects linked to the Matungu attack in Mumias.