Angry Kisii villagers burn homes of suspected criminals amid insecurity spike

Several houses were torched in Nyamondo village, South Mugirango, in Kisii County on Friday by angry residents over what they say was a dwindling state of security.

Police have arrested two suspects as several others are still at large while several stolen items were recovered in the suspects' houses.

According to residents, the village has been grappling with spontaneous night break-ins for the past few weeks with the latest attack by unknown assailants reported on Thursday sparking outrage from locals.

“Katika kijiji hiki tunaishi na uoga sana huenda tukavamiwa, tunataka maafisa wa serikali watusaidie,” Master Obara, a resident of Nyamondo, said.

Another resident, Simeon Nyagonya, added: “Huu wizi wa hapa ni too much kwetu sasa tumepata vitu kadhaa katika nyumba hizi.”

As of Friday evening, smoke was still billowing from the suspects’ houses with a massive trail of destruction of property and crops an indication of the level of animosity here.

St Michael Omogumo Secondary School within the village lost over 11 computers and an unknown amount of food stocks meant for students.

“Sisi hapa tumeamua kujilinda na tunataka serikali kuingilia maana tulifuata mahindi na maharagwe kisha tukazipata hapa,” two residents said.

Etago area OCPD Laban Omol, while speaking to Citizen TV via a phone call, confirmed the incident adding that two suspects have been arrested in connection with criminal activities.

Police are still trailing four more suspects pending arraignment on Monday.