Kisumu City Manager Mr Abala Wanga revives call for vigilantes as crime rises particularly around Uzima University-Riat Area.
UZIMA UNIVERSITY, Kisumu July 6 –Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga has revived the contentious debate on formation of vigilante groups in response to a fresh wave of crime that has gripped the lakeside city.
The notable violent criminal activities include muggings, burglaries and broad-daylight killings.
Making remarks during a tension-filled meeting convened between students and residents of Uzima University yesterday to address the situation, Wanga pointed out the growing reluctance by police officers to act.
This, however, he said is out of fear of being accused of extrajudicial killings which has further ’emboldened criminals and worsened insecurity.’
“If the police are unable to contain this menace, we will set up vigilante groups to protect the people of Kisumu,” Wanga warned.
The City boss cited prior use of vigilantes in other areas, saying they have proven to be responsive to criminal threats.
He accused the judiciary of frustrating police efforts by routinely releasing repeat offenders on lenient bail terms.
Wanga said criminals roaming Kisumu’s streets “kill without blinking” and issued a stark warning: “The same fate awaits them if they don’t change their ways.”
Weighing in, Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, announced heightened security measures and convened a county-wide security meeting with judicial representatives.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing law and order while urging idle youth to seek meaningful alternatives or leave the city.
“We have heard the concerns from the Uzima community. As the city, we will address issues like broken street lights and bushy alleys. But police must also up their game,” Wanga stated.
He lamented that efforts to sanitize the city are being undermined by a judicial system that releases hardcore criminals, many of whom return to their old ways.
Uzima University Vice Chancellor Rev Prof Cosmas K’Otieno welcomed the city’s willingness to engage but emphasized the urgency of coordinated action.
“Our students, some of whom live far from campus, have become easy targets for criminal gangs roaming on motorcycles,” K’Otieno lamented.
He announced plans to begin construction of student hostels within campus grounds following a Sh100 million grant awarded by President William Ruto after the university received its charter.
Student Council President Jude Mugo said security had “continued to deteriorate,” but welcomed the assurances from city officials and police.
“There’s a need for more patrols, street lighting, and community gates for hostels,” Mugo said, urging fellow students to avoid risky behavior such as returning late from night events.
