Homa Bay Ramps Up Security Measures Ahead of Festive Season
Mwiwawi also issued a stern warning against gangsterism and the carrying of crude weapons, which have in the past disrupted peace in some parts of the county.
Traffic officers are also monitoring speeding, particularly along the accident-prone sections of the roads.Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Authorities in Homa Bay County have heightened security operations ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities as part of efforts to ensure resident and visitor safety during the holiday period. The increased measures are also aimed at curbing cases of gangsterism, crime, and road accidents, which usually increase during the festive season.
The past week, a joint meeting was held by the county security team composed of all eight sub-counties to assess the previous security challenges experienced in the past festive periods and put in place comprehensive strategies that can ensure peaceful holiday seasons. The meeting drew together senior officers from the National Police Service, county administration, and other relevant security agencies.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi assured residents that security personnel in the county would remain on high alert throughout the Christmas and New Year festivities. The officers will be deployed on a 24-hour duty basis, besides increasing both foot and vehicle patrols in major towns and busy centres across the county. Some areas that will receive heightened surveillance include Oyugis, Kendu Bay, Homa Bay Town, and Rodi, which during holidays always record high population movement.
“We want residents to enjoy the festive season without fear. Our officers will be on duty throughout the holidays to ensure peace and order are maintained,” Mwiwawi said. He added that the county security team has put in place a coordinated approach to respond swiftly to any incidents that may arise.
To curb the road carnage, authorities have mounted roadblocks and conduct spot checks on all major highways and urban centres. The operations will target drunk driving, overloading of vehicles and compliance with roadworthiness standards. Traffic officers are also monitoring speeding, particularly along the accident-prone sections of the roads.
He said that numerous life losses have occurred during the festive season, adding that road carnage was mainly due to reckless driving, before calling on motorists to be cautious and observe traffic rules. “We are appealing to drivers to be responsible and to cooperate with officers conducting checks. These measures are meant to save lives,” he said.
Mwiwawi also issued a stern warning against gangsterism and the carrying of crude weapons, which have in the past disrupted peace in some parts of the county. He called upon political leaders and influencers at grassroots levels to join in condemning the practice and collaborate with security agencies to foster peace and order.
He reiterated that peace and security are paramount in the county, especially in securing developmental projects and attracting investment. Insecurity, according to the commissioner, not only jeopardizes lives but also discourages economic growth and social development.
The residents welcomed the security operation, expressing hope that it will ensure a peaceful festive season free of accidents. Businesspeople, especially in urban centres, expressed joy, saying improved security will enable them to operate freely and serve customers without fear. Security patrols and enforcement operations will continue during the festive season, with the authorities calling on members of the public to be more vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station as Homa Bay County gears up for the holiday celebrations.
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