Residents of Bumala town in Busia County have called for the immediate transfer of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Bumala Police Station, accusing him of negligence in the face of escalating insecurity that has left locals traumatized and questioning the role of the police in maintaining safety.
The calls have intensified following a fatal shooting incident that occurred on the night of Saturday, 5 April 2025, during a robbery targeting a prominent wholesale shop known locally as Aljezira, located next to Wema Bar and Resort.
According to multiple residents who witnessed the events unfold, a young man identified only as Samuel lost his life after being shot by armed robbers while walking past the scene.
While locals had promptly alerted police officers stationed less than 300 metres from the crime scene, they allege that their efforts were ignored.
Several residents claim they called the OCS directly to report the robbery in progress, but he allegedly dismissed their appeals and failed to dispatch any officers to intervene in time.
It was not until nearly five hours after the incident, according to local accounts, that officers arrived at the location.
This was not the only incident of the night. Residents allege that a group of plainclothes officers randomly arrested youths at Sunton petrol station and are said to have shot another person near a bar often frequented by young people in the area.
The actions by the police have raised serious questions over operational discipline, excessive use of force and the apparent targeting of innocent people.
These events have added to a growing list of security incidents reported in Bumala, where gun-related deaths and attacks involving machetes have become alarmingly common.
Local forums and community pages have seen a surge in complaints about robberies, night-time attacks, and muggings, with users pointing to known hotspots such as Masebula, Kwa Tangi and Chuma Mbili.
These areas have reportedly become notorious for ambushes and have been described by locals as “thieves’ roadblocks”, with residents often avoiding them after dark.
Many residents believe the current state of insecurity reflects long-standing failure by the police to engage with the community, respond quickly to emergencies, or investigate and arrest perpetrators.
The situation has fuelled anger, with community members asserting that the OCS has failed in his duty and must be replaced.
They are demanding that a more responsive and accountable officer be deployed to the area, together with a full shake-up of the current police team, which they say has failed to prioritize the safety of Bumala residents.
Locals also want investigations opened into claims of delayed police response and the circumstances surrounding the shooting of innocent civilians.
Some residents suggest that the delay in responding to the robbery may point to deeper issues within the local station, with others going further to suggest possible collusion between some law enforcement officers and criminal elements.
With emotions running high and trust in the local police unit at an all-time low, residents have vowed to continue pressing for change until new leadership is installed at the Bumala Police Station.
“Hi Nyakundi. I’m reaching out to bring to your attention the escalating security concerns in Bumala town, Busia County. This area has become notorious for incidents of gun violence and other criminal activities, leaving locals terrified and seeking answers from authorities.
On the night of Saturday, April 5, 2025, armed robbers targeted a popular wholesale store known as Alijezira, situated next to Wema Bar and Resort. Tragically, a young man named Samuel, who was simply walking past the scene, was shot dead by the robbers.
What’s even more disturbing is the alleged negligence by the local police. Residents reported that, despite being just 300 meters away from the crime scene, the Bumala Police Station did not respond promptly. Several locals claimed to have called the OCS directly to report the robbery in progress, but their calls went unanswered. Instead of acting quickly, the OCS is said to have dismissed their pleas, leaving them to handle the situation on their own. It wasn’t until about five hours later that the police finally showed up at the scene.
But the issues didn’t stop there. In another disturbing turn of events, plainclothes officers from the Bumala Police Station allegedly made random arrests at Sunton Petrol Station and are said to have shot another individual near a bar often frequented by young people in the area.
These incidents are not isolated. Over the past few months, Bumala has witnessed a disturbing rise in gun-related deaths and violent attacks, particularly in areas like Masebula, Kwa Tangi, and Chuma Mbili, which locals have described as “thieves’ roadblocks.” The residents have raised their concerns through social media, calling attention to the growing insecurity and lack of police action.
One local resident, using the Facebook username “CriticalThinker,” wrote a post saying: “Serikali kuu la Busia county, tunaomba msaada na haki itendeke…huyu kijana alipigiwa risasi na wezi jana saa 8:20…wezi hao walikua wakiiba katika WHOLESALE pale Wema house…huyu kijana alikua anapita tuu, ndo hao wezi wakafiatua risasi. Wakati tulipiga simu kwa polisi, tukaambia OCS WA BUMALA kua kuna wezi mahali pale atume maofisas wake, OCS alifunga simu na hakutusaidia…Tunaomba, sisi kama wana Bumala hawa police kutoka Bumala Police Station wamezembea kazini watubadilisie OCS mwe ingine na police pia waletwee…hawa wapelekwe hata haiti…crying!!! @…………….. OCS MUST GO, OCS MUST GO BUMALA OCS MUST GO.”
Another post on a Marachi West ward Facebook forum shared similar frustrations, highlighting the insecurity in Bumala town and criticizing the delayed police response. They also spoke about the recent incident on April 5, where thieves killed a boda boda rider and another person was shot at a bar, with police taking five hours to reach the crime scene despite being so close.
It’s become clear that Bumala is facing systemic security issues that are only getting worse. Locals feel that the negligence of the police, especially the OCS, has only contributed to the growing insecurity. There’s a loud call from the community for the transfer of the current OCS and the introduction of a more responsive police leadership.
These concerns reflect long-standing issues with the local police and have sparked an outcry from the community who are desperate for change. Residents believe it’s time for authorities to take action and restore safety in Bumala.”
