This archive report was first published on 12 June 2021.
Alarm as brutal gangs target university students in Kakamega ¶
Published on June 12, 2021
Four residential estates in Kakamega town have been identified as hotspots for brutal gangs targeting students of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
The estates, Jua Kali Kefinco, Sichirayi, Koromatangi, and Nyayo Tea Zone, have been plagued by robberies, burglaries, and muggings, with several students falling victim to the gangs.
Between February and June this year, five students from Masinde Muliro University have been attacked by the gangs, resulting in two deaths and three students suffering serious injuries.
The attacks have been particularly brutal, with victims being hit with blunt objects on their heads, leaving them with severe injuries.
According to Brian Odhiambo Obutt, the president of the Masinde Muliro University Students Organisation, the insecurity situation in the town is quite worrying, with several students being attacked and sustaining injuries while walking home in the dark late at night.
Obutt also blamed some students for exposing themselves to danger by failing to observe safety guidelines, such as avoiding going out late at night.
He also criticized the landlords of Jua Kali Kefinco for leaving their houses in the hands of caretakers and showing little concern for the security of their tenants.
Following the gruesome murder of third-year student Macrine Achieng, who was stabbed and raped by her attackers, plans are underway to set up a police post at Kefinco to enhance patrols in the neighbourhood.
Kakamega Central Sub-County Police Commander David Kabena said residents need to cooperate with police to tackle insecurity, and that the community should work closely with the authorities through the Nyumba Kumi initiative.
The insecurity has been heightened by poor coordination among Nyumba Kumi members, though the issue has been raised by locals.
As a result, Masinde Muliro University has asked the county government and the police to address growing insecurity in residential estates by erecting high-mast floodlights.
The university has also advised students to avoid moving around at night, ensure they always walk in groups, and refrain from engaging in illicit businesses and activities that could endanger their lives.
