Transport was paralysed in Matungu, Kakamega County, on the Busia-Mumias Highway after angry residents staged protests over rising insecurity in the area.
The demonstrators barricaded the road with burning tires and debris on Thursday, February 27, demanding the immediate transfer of the Matungu Officer Commanding Station (OCS).
In a show of frustration, they stormed the OCS’s house, took all the furniture and other belongings before setting them on fire on the busy road.
The unrest was triggered by a violent robbery the previous night (Wednesday, February 26), where armed criminals killed a businessman, broke into several shops, and stole goods, leaving the community in fear and anger.
Kakamega County Commissioner Meru Mwangi and Acting County Police Commander Daniel Mukumbu arrived to calm the situation, but the residents remained adamant that the OCS must be transferred.
In the chaos, government and private vehicles were vandalized, highlighting the deep frustration within the community.
Area Member of Parliament Peter Nabulindo has broken his silence after a day filled with violence. The lawmaker laments that insecurity had become rampant in Matungu, while security organs have remained inactive.
“The insecurity in Matungu is Alarming but despite leaders and residents raising the matter with the police officers, no action has been taken. We demand the transfer of the police officers in the region as well as the OCPD,” area MP Peter Nabulindo says.
