Matunda Residents Protest Rising Insecurity
The residents now want relevant authorities to take stern action, ensure police accountability, and restore security in the area.
Matunda residents protest rising insecurity.Photo: Courtesy.
By Eve N Njeri
Matunda, Kakamega,
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Residents of Matunda area on the border of Kakamega and Uasin Gishu counties on Tuesday staged a major demonstration to protest over worsening insecurity, accusing police officers at the local station of failing to address serious crimes affecting the community.
The residents, who blocked roads and marched through Matunda town, said cases of murder, robbery, rape and violent attacks have been on the rise, yet police response has remained slow and ineffective. They claimed that some officers attached to the area were giving more attention to minor offences while serious crimes were being ignored.
According to the protesters, many incidents reported to the police station have not been investigated to conclusion, leaving victims without justice and emboldening criminals to continue terrorizing the area.
Celestine Wakwabubi, resident, said mothers and women in Matunda no longer feel safe, especially at night. She decried that cases of theft and harassment have become rampant, and called on the authorities to provide adequate security and street lighting.
Anderson Imobva, resident, said the youth in Matunda are living in fear as criminal gangs operate with impunity. He accused some officers of laxity, saying they take too long to respond to distress calls and at times fail to arrest known suspects, forcing residents to take matters into their own hands.
Likuyani Member of Parliament Innocent Mugabe, who joined the residents during the protest, called on the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to urgently intervene and address the security crisis in Matunda.
Mugabe said it was unacceptable for residents to continue suffering while police officers mandated to protect them were not executing their duties properly. He emphasized the need for accountability within the police service and called for the transfer and investigation of officers accused of negligence.
“I am calling upon the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, to come to the ground and listen to the cries of the people of Matunda. Our people are being killed, our businesses are being robbed, our women are being attacked, and yet there is no serious action from the police. We need responsible officers who are committed to fighting crime,” Mugabe said.
Ibrahim Keter, resident, echoed the MP’s sentiments, saying business operators in Matunda town were counting heavy losses due to frequent break-ins. He said traders are forced to close early for fear of being attacked, which has hurt the local economy.
Cleah Wambadi, resident, said families were living in fear and demanded that the government deploy more officers and ensure regular patrols in Matunda and its environs. She said the community needs assurance that their safety is a priority.
The residents now want relevant authorities to take stern action, ensure police accountability, and restore security in the area. They vowed to continue with peaceful protests until their grievances are addressed and lasting solutions are implemented to curb crime in Matunda.
Police officers from the area were yet to issue an official statement by press time.
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