A chilling wave of insecurity has gripped Kakamega County, as a ruthless gang impersonating police officers terrorises traders and residents. Operating under the guise of law enforcement, the criminals strike fear in their victims, leaving behind a trail of violence and unanswered questions.
The gang, reportedly calling itself the Nairobi Flying Squad Unit, has been moving across the county, targeting locals and business owners.
Their reign of terror recently led to a shocking act of mob justice—angry residents torched the home of the Matungu Officer Commanding Station (OCS), accusing him of negligence in addressing the escalating crime.
Since the gang surfaced a few weeks ago, at least three people have been killed, while several others are recovering from injuries. Witnesses say the criminals, believed to be from Matungu Sub-County, are armed with firearms and machetes, making them a lethal force.
Matungu has long been a hotspot for criminal gangs, including the notorious 42 Brothers and 14 Brothers, whose violent rampages prompted then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to deploy General Service Unit (GSU) officers in an attempt to restore order.
In Buhuru village, residents are gripped by fear following a brutal attack on Uvenalis Murono. According to locals, the gang introduces itself at night as police officers searching for criminals, only to turn against unsuspecting victims.
Murono was ambushed at his home by armed men masquerading as officers from the Nairobi Flying Squad Unit. They accused him of being a “notorious” bhang dealer and ransacked his house for evidence. Finding none, the violence escalated.
“They claimed they had been misled and insisted I follow them to their car, where their boss was waiting. They even suggested I could take them to court for searching my house without a warrant,” Murono recalled.
As he stepped out, Murono hesitated, suspecting that the vehicle did not belong to law enforcement. When he attempted to flee, the assailants wrestled him to the ground. Without warning, they drew guns and machetes, striking him repeatedly on the head and back.
“I screamed in pain, but it wasn’t until my father, who had been following from a distance, heard the commotion and rushed to my aid,” he said.
James Anami, Murono’s father, tried to intervene but was severely beaten.
“Despite being assaulted, we fought back desperately to protect our lives,” Anami recounted.
The attack on Murono came just weeks after a businessman was shot dead not far away from a police station in Matungu, which is now on the spotlight over the deteriorating security.
Charles Mukhwana, a shopkeeper at Matungu market, was reportedly shot dead by members of an unknown gang just 100 metres away from Matungu Police Station.
Outraged locals and traders took to the streets, accusing the police of failing to protect them.
The angry protesters and friends of the slain shopkeeper expressed outrage over the senseless killing and demanded answers as to how such incidents could take place close to a police station.
“The rise in insecurity in Matungu has become a growing concern for us as traders. How can one be killed just a few metres from the police station? This shows how unsafe we are,” said one of the traders.
“It’s unbelievable that the police were unable to prevent such an attack despite their proximity to the market. We’ve lost not only a loved one to someone but also a vital member of the community. We demand that the police and the government take immediate action to end this insecurity,” he added.
According to fellow traders, Mukhana had two options - either to surrender all the money or be shot dead.
“It was around 2am, when the gang struck. I live at my place of work and I heard some sort of argument and confrontation between the gang and my colleague whose shops is adjacent to mine. Then I heard the sound of a gunshot,” recounted James Aseko.
Aseko said the attackers then proceeded to his shop and ordered him to open it, and when he opened the door, he was told to give out money or he would be killed.
“The options were two, I surrender all the money or I get killed. Fearing for my life, I gave them all the money I had. They hit me with crude weapons. They were carrying guns,” said Aseko.
The increasing violence has prompted urgent calls for enhanced security measures. Locals are demanding a stronger police presence, more patrols, and better intelligence gathering to curb crime.
“We are no longer safe in our own homes. The police need to act swiftly. These criminals have no fear, and it seems they can attack anyone, anywhere,” said a resident, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.
He said the growing insecurity had prompted calls for more police patrols in the area, enhanced surveillance, and better community policing strategies to address the rising threat of violence.
“There is a gap in our security system. How can a businessman be killed so close to a police station without any intervention? This situation cannot continue. The police need to be more visible and active in protecting the community,” he added.
As security concerns grow, local leaders are calling for stronger community engagement and the involvement of residents in tackling crime.
Leaders believe that improving the relationship between the community and the police could help increase the flow of information and reduce the chances of criminals operating with impunity.
“We need to work together with the police. The community must be more proactive in reporting suspicious activities and in helping law enforcement officers solve these crimes,” said Matungu MCA Fredrick Watitwa.
Governor Fernandes Barasa condemned the killings, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the worsening security situation.
“This tragic loss is a wake-up call for all security agencies. The safety of our people must come first. I am urging all relevant authorities to work together to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents in Matungu and surrounding areas,” Barasa said.
The governor called on the Regional Commissioner and security agencies to take urgent action to curb the increasing crime wave and restore safety to the area.
Kakamega County Police Commander Lucy Kananu told The Nairobian her officers are investigating the matter, downplaying claims of security lapses while at the same time promising residents protection and safety of their lives and property.
“We are on top of the situation and have contained it. I want to urge our people to remain calm because security agents are working on the issue, and investigations are ongoing. I can promise and assure our people that their safety and that of their property is guaranteed. There is no cause for alarm,” said Kananu.
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