Outrage has erupted in Matunda, Kakamega County, as angry residents took to the streets to protest worsening insecurity and what they describe as rampant negligence and collusion by officers stationed at the local police station.
Locals claim officers have turned a blind eye to serious violent crimes—including murders, rapes, and armed robberies—while prioritising petty offences and illicit alcohol raids.
“We are in deep pain. Women and children are being raped, and people are being hacked with pangas. We are forced to close our businesses as early as 6:00 PM because of insecurity,” said a resident. “When it comes to illicit alcohol operations, police vehicles suddenly have fuel, but when we call them for a security emergency, they claim they have no fuel.“
Matunda police officers on the spot
Business operators and boda boda riders report living under constant fear, with youth gangs terrorising the area day and night. Victims of crime further accuse officers of ignoring official reports and failing to conduct basic investigations.
“I want to tell Inspector General Kanja and DIG Lagat that our Matunda Police Station is rotten; officers are colluding with criminals,” another resident stated. “I was robbed on June 8th and reported it at Matunda station—they promised to assess the scene, but they have never set foot at my house.”
The escalating crisis has caught the attention of local leadership. Likuyani Member of Parliament Innocent Mugabe has called for immediate structural changes, confirming he has engaged high-ranking national security officials to address the issue.
“Security has severely deteriorated in Matunda Market. We are calling for action, and I have already spoken with Security Cabinet Secretary Murkomen and DIG Lagat,” MP Mugabe said. “We must prioritise security in Matunda Market and across all areas of Likuyani.”
With public trust in local law enforcement severely broken, residents are demanding urgent intervention from the National Police Service to restore order, improve accountability, and guarantee public safety.
