Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has warned that rising insecurity in Kisumu County is eroding investor confidence and threatening economic stability.
Speaking after a high-level consultative security meeting that brought together the county executive, MPs, MCAs and the County Security Committee led by the County Commissioner on Monday, Nyong’o condemned recent attacks on businesses, including Fairways Hotel and Java House in West End, describing them as criminal acts that must be urgently addressed.
“We have therefore observed and resolved as follows: the forum expressed its strongest condemnation of the recent attacks on private property and investment… these acts of hooliganism are not only criminal but a direct assault on the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Nyong’o stressed that while the county government remains a key development partner, security is primarily a national government mandate, calling for swift intervention to restore order.
“We call upon the Ministry of Interior and national administration to deploy comprehensive intelligence and enforcement measures to identify and dismantle the criminal gangs masquerading as political supporters,” he said, further urging authorities to ensure “speed and impartiality to arrest and prosecute the masterminds behind recent attacks, regardless of their social or political standing.”
He insisted that Kisumu must not be allowed to lose its reputation as a safe investment destination in the Lake Region economic bloc.
“We will not allow a few individuals to tarnish this image, and I repeat, we will not allow a few individuals to tarnish this image,” Nyong’o said, reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting its economic standing and investor appeal.
He also reassured the business community that county leadership is united in confronting insecurity, while urging residents to support efforts aimed at restoring stability.
“We urge the youth of Kisumu to resist being used as tools for destruction and instead embrace economic opportunities being created within the county,” he added.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions following the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu, an incident that has sparked national outrage.
The senator was reportedly assaulted during a visit to the city, prompting condemnation from leaders across the political divide.
Opposition-aligned leaders have since demanded accountability from security officials, with some calling for the resignation of senior Interior Ministry officials, including Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, over alleged lapses in handling politically linked violence.
Authorities have so far arrested three suspects linked to the attack on the lawmaker, while a manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals believed to have been involved.