A House Committee has expressed concern over the influx of insecurity cases in Kisumu County.
The Members who met the Regional Police Commander of Kisumu Police Divisional Headquarters and Station Gisiri Nyamohanga Members of the Committee on Administration and Internal Security heard that the main challenges her office handles include illegal mining activities in Nyanza, assault cases, murders, and incidents of mine collapses leading to fatalities.
The County Commissioner of Kisumu Benson Leparmorijo, informed the Members that the closure of Kibuye Market has also contributed significantly to insecurity in the region. He clarified that the management of the market falls under the County Government of Kisumu.
“I have held engagements with the Governor of Kisumu regarding this issue. I have also talked to the City Manager, who said that the place is not clean enough to be in operation,” said Leparmorijo.
It was noted during the session that the closure of the market, which previously hosted over 5,000 traders, has forced many to sell their produce on the town streets, further escalating security concerns.
Kisumu West MP Rozah Buyu expressed concern that political interference was partly fueling the market’s continued closure.
“It is for us leaders to talk and agree to maintain peace. The violence noted is fueled by political leaders, especially during funerals and rallies. The gangs are operating in broad daylight, and it is an issue we urgently need to address,” she said.
Nyakach MP Owuor Aduma (echoed similar concerns, lamenting the rise of criminal gangs not only in Kisumu, but also in his area. He emphasized that the growing insecurity must be tackled decisively.
Also present at the meeting was the Deputy County Commissioner of Kisumu Wilberforce, who highlighted the urgent need to return police officers to official housing.
“We want the police to live in police houses so that they can promptly respond during distress calls,” Wilberforce stated.
He further outlined several challenges, including the need for enhanced police training and the impact of flooding -which has forced officers in Ahero and Muhoroni to live in rented houses, the need for renovation of police housing and a critical shortage of officers.
The delegation chairperson Lari MP Mburu Kahangara acknowledged the concerns, explaining that budgetary constraints had paralyzed police recruitment over the past three years.
However, he assured that plans are underway to recruit 10,000 police officers in the next financial year.
He further directed the Committee Secretariat to note the issues raised, assuring that they will be addressed.
“The issue of Ahero and Muhoroni will be escalated. The Inspector General is also particularly passionate about the issue of training. The Committee will deliberate on it,” said Kahangara.
In his closing remarks, the County Commissioner appealed to the Committee to allocate Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIEs) to the newly gazetted units and provide vehicles to police stations to ease mobility.
The same sentiments were echoed by Gisiri, who emphasized that the police would work more effectively once adequate resources are made available.
The Committee also inspected the ongoing construction of the Kisumu West Sub-County Police Headquarters, a project championed by the area MP Rozah Buyu.
According to the project manager, construction began in 2019, is currently 80pc complete, and the facility is scheduled to be opened by May 15, 2025.
