By Violet Auma.
Transport on the Busia-Mumias highway was brought to a halt as furious residents staged protests against rising insecurity in Matungu.
The demonstrators, angered by a spate of violent robberies, barricaded the road with burning tires and debris, demanding the immediate transfer of the area’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS).
The unrest, which lasted for the better part of the day, saw tensions escalate as protesters took to the streets in large numbers.
Businesses remained closed, and commuters were left stranded as demonstrators blocked key roads leading to and from Matungu.
The situation turned chaotic when the angry crowd stormed the OCS’s residence, destroying property and setting fire to furniture and other household belongings in an open display of defiance.
“One of the businessmen here, Charlie, was killed yesterday by robbers who stole from his shop and others in Ejinja. We cannot allow this to continue. If they cannot protect us, we will protect ourselves!” an angry protester shouted.
Another resident expressed frustration over police negligence, saying, “While he was being killed, the police were here eating maize! We report cases of insecurity daily—our chickens and cattle are stolen every night, but nothing is done.”
The protests were triggered by the previous night’s violent robbery, in which armed criminals raided a local trading center, killing the businessman and looting several shops before escaping.
Frustrated residents blamed local police for failing to protect them, accusing officers of laxity and inaction.
Many argued that criminal activities had escalated under the current leadership, making life unbearable.
In an attempt to de-escalate tensions, Kakamega County Commissioner Meru Mwangi and Acting County Police Commander Daniel Mukumbu arrived at the scene to engage with the demonstrators.
However, residents remained defiant, insisting that the OCS must be transferred immediately before any further discussions could take place.
As the protests intensified, reports emerged that police had opened fire on demonstrators.
“Two protesters have been shot by police and taken to Matungu Hospital,” one witness claimed. “Why are they shooting at us when it’s our right to protest?”
The demonstrations soon spiraled into violence, with extensive vandalism reported.
Government and private vehicles were damaged, forcing some motorists to abandon their cars while others sought alternative routes to avoid the unrest.
Among the grievances raised, protesters also demanded better security measures, urging county officials to restore floodlights in the area.
“We want Governor Fernandes Barasa to bring back the floodlights here. Insecurity has increased because this place is very dark at night,” one resident said.
As the dust settles, uncertainty hangs over Matungu. While authorities have assured residents that action will be taken to address their concerns, no concrete measures have been outlined.
Residents remain skeptical, vowing to continue protesting until their demands are met.
For now, tension remains high as the community awaits a decisive response from security agencies.
