Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has declared an intensified crackdown on organised criminal gangs following the deadly violence in Milimani that claimed the lives of two young men, warning that anyone sponsoring or funding criminal activities, including politicians, will be pursued and prosecuted.
In a statement issued on Monday, the governor said the County Security Committee had agreed that the violence should be treated as organised criminal conduct rather than isolated acts of indiscipline, as security agencies step up efforts to restore safety and public confidence.
“What occurred in Milimani was organised criminal conduct, and it will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly,” the governor said.
Nyong’o warned that those behind criminal gangs, as well as individuals acting for political or business interests, would not be allowed to operate in the county.
“To those who engage in violence, whether as members of criminal gangs or as individuals acting on behalf of political or commercial interests, this message is unambiguous: there will be no sanctuary in Kisumu County. Those responsible will be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and held fully accountable under the law,” he said.
The governor confirmed that eight suspects arrested over Sunday’s violence were expected to be arraigned in court, adding that investigations were ongoing as detectives gather more evidence, including digital material circulating on social media.
He also revealed that security operations had already been stepped up across the county, leading to the arrest of more than 200 suspects in an ongoing operation targeting organised criminal networks.
Nyong’o said the impact of criminal activities goes beyond insecurity, noting that violence drives away investors, disrupts businesses and denies young people employment opportunities.
“Criminality is not only a threat to public safety; it is an assault on economic development. Violence discourages investment, disrupts commerce, undermines enterprise, and erodes employment opportunities for the very young people who should be the principal beneficiaries of economic growth,” he said.
The governor further cautioned political leaders against recruiting or financing young people to engage in violence for political gain.
“Political competition must never become a licence to sponsor violence or recruit young people into criminal networks. Anyone found financing, organising, or facilitating acts of violence, directly or indirectly, will face the full consequences of the law,” he warned.
Nyong’o praised the National Police Service for what he described as a prompt and professional response around St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral and St. Joseph Catholic Church, saying the intervention helped prevent further loss of life during the incident.
He also appealed to young people to reject violence and instead focus on education, innovation and lawful ways of earning a living.
“The future of this county will not be secured through violence, intimidation, or criminal enterprise. It will be secured through education, productive work, innovation, and responsible citizenship,” Nyong’o said, insisting that Kisumu would remain a county “where lawful enterprise flourishes, where citizens live without fear, and where public order is upheld without compromise.”