Death of 'Paka Mang'aa' gives rise to deadly 'Jinga Jeshi' gang

Residents of Shinyalu Constituency in Kakamega county are currently living in fear due to the emergence of a new dangerous gang known as ‘Jeshi Jinga’.

This gang is causing terror during the day, stealing goats, and inflicting harm on individuals through beatings or even killings, based on their mood.

Comprising 12 members, the criminal gang reportedly invades residents’ homes armed with pangas, machetes, and rungus. They proceed to steal goats, slaughter them on the spot, and escape using motorbikes labelled with the name ‘Jeshi Jinga’.

However, residents are concerned and are pondering whether this group is a manifestation and evolution of the infamous ‘Paka Mang’aa’ gang that has been plaguing them for the past four months. The ‘Paka Mang’aa’ gang typically operated at night during funeral events, stealing food, assaulting mourners and residents, and then fleeing.

The most recent incident took place on a Saturday morning at Likhovero village. The gang targeted a local’s home, making off with four goats and killing a resident.

According to Jane Mutondo, a member of the gang consisting of 12 individuals stormed her homestead in the morning, under the influence of marijuana, and made away with four of her goats. “Young members of the gang entered my home and seized four goats. Before leaving, they slaughtered two of the goats and departed on motorbikes that displayed their gang’s name,” Mutondo said.

Mutondo further recounts that after the initial incident, the gang proceeded to her neighbour’s house; however, they didn’t steal anything as the neighbour had no goats.

“This is deeply concerning because if they don’t find what they’re looking for, they might leave. But if they do encounter what they want, especially a goat, and come across the owner, they resort to beating or even killing them before moving on to the next household. If you’re fortunate, they might only resort to beating,” Mutondo said.

Another victim, Wakufa Watachi, shared that on a Friday, the gang targeted his brother’s home, making off with two goats without causing harm. However, they returned on Saturday seeking revenge after learning that his brother had reported the incident to the police.

Shinyalu OCPD Daniel Mukubu said officers are investigating the matter.

“We have received a report from residents that some of their goats have been stolen,” he said.