Although Homa Bay County remains relatively peaceful, heightened political activities have sparked violence in parts of the county ahead of popular Linda Mwananchi Movement tour next weekend.

One such incident was last weekend when youths engaged in fights during a political gathering in Kanyadhiang in Karachuonyo constituency. At the meeting, some pro-government leaders warned Linda Mwananchi Movement against questioning President William Ruto’s credentials or wearing T-shirts branded with the movement’s colours and slogans.

Earlier last week, some youths were arrested after they allegedly attacked local leaders of the Linda Mwananchi Movement. The arrests sparked chaos in Homa Bay town as youths engaged the police in running battles.

Locals cite unemployment, drug abuse and criminal gangs as a threat to public safety and the county’s development. From religious leaders calling for unity to boda operators demanding better policing, many residents believe insecurity can only be addressed through collective responsibility involving the government, security agencies, community leaders and the public.

The concerns come amid increasing reports of phone snatching, armed robberies, assaults and criminal gangs operating in parts of Homa Bay and surrounding areas.

Vice Chair of the Homa Bay County Interfaith Town Forum Nuhu Omollo Abdul Masoud told local residents to embrace peace and reject political leaders fanning violence and goonism that is undermining security.

Masoud appealed to politicians, youth, parents and children to refrain from engaging in acts of goonism, saying lasting peace begins with individual responsibility and respect for the rule of law. He stressed that political differences should never be used to divide communities or encourage violence, adding that every citizen has a role to play in promoting peaceful coexistence.

According to Masoud, security remains one of the most important pillars of development because no meaningful economic or social progress can take place where people live in fear. He appealed to the government to strengthen security operations in Homa Bay County, particularly in areas where residents frequently report incidents of attacks, theft and other criminal activities.

Masoud also appealed to the public to cooperate fully with security agencies by sharing information that can help identify and arrest criminals. He observed that many offenders move around openly because witnesses and residents fear reporting them or fail to provide information that could assist investigations.        

He further noted that criminal activities often persist because suspects are not successfully prosecuted. The cleric urged all stakeholders in the justice system to work together to ensure offenders face the law.

To strengthen peace initiatives, Masoud said the interfaith forum plans to organise a countywide joint prayer meeting bringing together religious leaders, government officials and members of the public to pray for peace while encouraging dialogue and unity.

Chairman of the Interfaith Forum for Nyanza and Homa Bay Region Abrahams Wanda Odongo also expressed concern over rising incidents of insecurity.  Dr Wanda called on religious institutions to continue promoting peace, tolerance and mutual understanding amongst members of different communities saying unity remains essential in addressing social challenges affecting the county.

Boda boda operators in Homa Bay Town also expressed concern over growing insecurity, saying armed criminal gangs have made their work increasingly risky. According to the operators, some gangs roam the streets carrying knives and pangas they use to attack pedestrians, rob residents and threaten business operators.

They alleged that despite reporting several incidents to the police, little action is taken, leaving criminals free to continue terrorizing innocent people. The operators urged security agencies to intensify patrols and take decisive action against criminal gangs before the situation worsens.

They also appealed to authorities to distinguish genuine boda boda operators from criminals who disguise themselves as motorcycle riders while committing offences.

Sindo Youth Representative Wilfred Onani linked rising insecurity to unemployment and widespread drug and substance abuse among young people. He said many unemployed youth were easy targets for recruitment into criminal gangs due to lack of economic opportunities.

According to Onani, drug abuse has become another major challenge that contributes to violence, theft and other criminal activities affecting communities. He appealed to both the national and county governments to create more employment opportunities, vocational training programmes and youth empowerment initiatives that can provide young people with alternative sources of income.

Onani observed that women girls were among those most affected by insecurity, noting that gender-based violence must be tackled decisively. He further claimed that several murder cases have recently been reported in the county, emphasising the need for urgent interventions to curb such incidences.

A trader in Homa Bay Town Joshua Onditi said political violence must be curbed. Mr Ondiiti said informal settlements like Shauri Yako continue to experience criminal activities.

Onditi said that some of the suspects commit crimes before escaping through the lake, making it difficult for security officers to track them. He also linked some criminal incidents to excessive alcohol consumption, saying individuals who lack money after drinking sometimes resort to theft.

He said common crimes include phone snatching, pickpocketing and attacks using pangas, particularly during election periods when criminal gangs become more active.

Onditi identified Rodi Kopany trading centre as one of the areas where residents frequently experience theft and criminal attacks during the night. He appealed for increased police patrols and stronger community policing to deter criminals.

Groceries vendor Rose Achieng observed that insecurity usually worsens during election campaigns. Ms Achieng says political intolerance often creates fear among residents, forcing many people to remain silent about their political preferences to avoid intimidation by criminal gangs associated with rival political groups. She urged political leaders to conduct peaceful campaigns and discourage supporters from engaging in violence.

County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi recently warned that cases of goonism will not be tolerated, saying security agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle criminal gangs operating within the county.

He cautioned young people against joining criminal groups and that anyone found engaging in violence or other illegal activities will face the full force of the law. He also urged parents and guardians to guide their children and discourage them from being recruited into criminal gangs.

The administrator said his officers have intensified operations targeting petty crimes such as phone snatching and pickpocketing and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities promptly. He emphasised that security cannot be left to the police alone but requires cooperation between government agencies, religious leaders, community organisations and ordinary citizens.

Mwiwawi reiterated that building a safe and peaceful society requires everyone to play their part by respecting the law, sharing information with security agencies and promoting peaceful coexistence.

As the economy of Homa Bay County continues to grow, residents agree that improved security remains essential for attracting investment, and supporting businesses.

Many believe that tackling unemployment, addressing drug abuse, strengthening law enforcement and promoting peace through community partnerships will be critical in reducing crime and creating a safer environment for all. A Tell Media / KNA report / By Davis Langat