Kisumu County has launched a fresh crackdown on criminal gangs, rogue businesses, and unruly matatu operators following a high-level county security meeting co-chaired by the governor and the county commissioner.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The county security team announced tough new measures aimed at restoring law and order, warning that businesses linked to criminal activities will lose their operating licences while matatus associated with gangs and insecurity risk being impounded and removed from the roads.

The sweeping operation comes amid rising concerns over organised criminal groups, political goonism, and insecurity within the public transport sector.

As part of the new measures, the county government said it will begin vetting businesses across the county and revoke permits for enterprises suspected of financing or harbouring criminal activities. Officials warned that traders and business owners found collaborating with gangs will face immediate legal action.

📌 What You Need to Know

At the same time, security agencies and public transport SACCOs have been directed to conduct joint operations targeting matatus linked to criminal activities, intimidation, and disorder within Kisumu town and surrounding areas.

Authorities said rogue operators using public transport vehicles to facilitate criminal activities will be arrested and prosecuted.

The county also states that it does not condone political goonism, insisting that the public gatherings and political events must operate under regulated security arrangements. Leaders said the criminal gangs masquerading as private security groups will no longer be tolerated.

In recent protests, suspected goons infiltrated otherwise peaceful demonstrations, vandalising shops, looting businesses, attacking residents, and harassing peaceful protestors.

The incidents left traders counting losses and heightened fears over organised criminal networks operating within the county.

To strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering, the county plans to roll out an expanded CCTV camera network in estates, business centers, and key public spaces, which is expected to help security officers monitor activities in real time and identify suspects more quickly.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke