Busia County Commissioner Jacob Narengo has warned residents of Butula Sub County to stop engaging in mob justice.
Speaking to the press after a security meeting in Butula Sub County on Wednesday, Narengo noted that at least 11 cases of mob justice had been recorded in the Sub County since 2016.
He urged the residents to refer cases to council of elders for arbitration, adding that the area has been in the local media for negative reasons.
The county Commissioner further said that there is need for both elected and religious leaders to compare notes whenever security challenges arise.
“We have resolved that both security team and political leaders will be meeting on quarterly basis or as need arises,” he said, adding that local residents have also agreed to volunteer information to security officers for immediate action.
He advised the Sub County Security team to deliberate and assess whether there is a possibility of establishing police posts in the areas deemed as hot spots.
The county commissioner added two additional vehicles have been availed to assist police officers in intensifying patrols in Bumala and urged the residents of Masebula village to vigilant and report any suspicious characters to Bumala Sub County Police Commander.
“Residents should not have any fear of retaliation because we have enhanced patrols to ensure their security,” he said.
Narengo disclosed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the late Joanes Oduor two weeks ago and his subsequent death two days later.
“We have also recorded very good progress in connection with the killing of the six bouncers from Nyando Sub County,” he said, adding that the court granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations two more weeks to complete investigations.
On his part, Butula Member of Parliament Joseph Oyula sent a message of condolence to residents of Nyando constituency and the families who lost their kin in last Friday’s brutal murder in his constituency.
Oyula condemned the incident, adding that that the matter should have been reported to the nearest Bumala police station instead of a section of residents taking the law into their hands
“A crime is a crime and we regret what happened,” he said, adding that insecurity in the area is on the rise.
He urged the Directorate to investigate even former criminal cases and ensure that culprits are brought to book in order to act as a deterrent measure to others.
“We will work very closely with security agencies to follow up the cases and ensure that Butula restores its former glory,” he said.
The MP urged the local youth to engage in income generating activities, instead of justifying unemployment as a reason for engaging in criminal activities.
He also assured residents of Masebula that no acts of retaliation will take place since security officers are on the lookout.
Six bouncers from Nyando Sub County were recently killed by irate mob who suspected them for having participated in the killing of Joane Oduor, a prominent businessman in the area.
By Salome Alwanda
