A multi-agency security operation has been rolled out in Kisumu city to tame run-away crime.
This follows a spate of attacks and cases of mugging which have left several people injured.
Kisumu County Commissioner (CC) Benson Laparmorijo said the operation targets to smoke out criminals who attack unsuspecting residents making away with mobile phones and other valuables.
The criminals who use boda bodas to escape target markets and affluent residential areas adding that security officers have been put on high alert to ensure they are nabbed.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu, Leparmorijo said the operation shall be extended to Maseno where criminals terrorize and injure university students.
“This campaign also targets Maseno town where we have made some arrests in a bid to net criminals who terrorize and rape students,” he said.
He asked all operators of hostels in the satellite town to comply with the officers carrying out the operation and ensure they put stringent measures in place to safeguard the lives of students.
The administrator said any security officer who fails to ensure the success of the operation to flush out criminals in the area will be dealt with accordingly.
“We must work and ensure that Kisumu is safe. We are not going to remind or plead with anybody to do their work,” her said.
Kisumu County Police Commander Kizito Mutoro urged members of the public to volunteer information to the police to make the operation a success.
Mutoro asked all police officers in the area to be on high alert to ensure that the criminals are dealt with once and for all.
“Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya and we cannot afford to hear the kind of stories we are hearing. We must deal with these criminals,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
