Killings: Matiang'i deploys GSU to Matungu

From left- Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Western Regional Commissioner Anne Ngetich at Bulimbo Primary School in Matungu on May 16, 2019. [Benjamin Sakwa/Standard]

Government has launched a major security operation in Matungu Sub-County following a series of killings that have left 18 people dead in a span of one month.

Making the announcement today when he toured the troubled region, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers will be deployed to beef up security and boost the regular police numbers.

The development came as it emerged that six key suspects were arrested on Wednesday night among them a jailbird believed to be coordinating the attacks from Nairobi. He was fished out from his hideout in the city.

Dr Matiang'i, aaccompanied by Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai toured Kakamega and Vihiga counties to assess the security situation.

The CS said police are still following what he termed 'crucial leads' linking local politicians and that in few days to come, the politicians will be arrested to record statements in relation to the bizarre killings.

He said some politicians had formed vigilantes for their selfish interests that led to the killings, as the groupings try to outshine each other, even as he extended an olive branch for the gang members to surrender before they are flashed out by police.

"We will go to the direction the investigations will take. We don't care who you are under the political class and your status in society. We will arrest and deal with you as per the law," he sounded the warning.

Ten of the victims were murdered by a killer gang that invaded the area about a month ago while six were lynched by angry residents. Two were gunned down by police on patrol.

"Yesterday night, we arrested key suspects including one who was sentenced to 20 years in jail and has been coordinating the criminal activities here from Nairobi," said the CS.

The tough speaking Matiang'i said a new police divisional headquarters will start operations in Matungu. The sub-county has all along been served by stations under the Mumias OCPD.

"The nation is shocked with the state of insecurity in this area. We have a herculean task ahead of us that we must finish before leaving Kakamega," said Matiang'i adding that Government will not allow the killings to continue. 

"The last time we were in Western, I promised the people of Mt Elgon that their security was to be guaranteed. We shall apply similar approach here in restoring law and order so that people can go about their duties in a serene environment," said Matiang'i.