Siaya Residents Alarmed by Rising Abductions and Robberies
The leaders now want the government and the police to act. They need the security patrols on the busy Siaya–Bondo road to be increased immediately.
Oloo gave the notice of an attack on one of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University workers. The university staff was convinced to board a private car heading to Bondo and then robbed of personal belongings. Photo/Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
People in Siaya County are worried about an increase in abductions and robberies targeting passengers along the Siaya–Bondo road. Greater insecurity has terrified most commuters and made them wonder about their security.
Over the past two weeks, several cases have been recorded, reports John Oloo, coordinator of the Siaya County Passenger Service Vehicle Union. He explained how thieves use private vehicles in the guise of public service vehicles to lure unsuspecting commuters. The victims are then hijacked at gunpoint and robbed of valuables such as money, mobile phones, and laptops.
Oloo gave the notice of an attack on one of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University workers. The university staff was convinced to board a private car heading to Bondo and then robbed of personal belongings. Oloo warned residents to be vigilant and not get on buses from unknown vehicles. He emphasized the importance of using recognized and registered public service buses for safety.
Locals have also stepped forward to share their own encounters with the thugs. One of the locals, Moses Osuma, testified to a horror encounter with two women. The victims had reportedly been lured into a private car, mugged, stripped, and then dumped by the road. The experience has set the community on edge, and many are demanding immediate action.
The leaders now want the government and the police to act. They need the security patrols on the busy Siaya–Bondo road to be increased immediately. They also need traffic police to watch out for private vehicles and to make sure only qualified transport companies are allowed to operate.
To date, at least four individuals have been victims of these criminal plots. Members of the community are afraid that the number may increase if action is not taken soon. Most people feel that more stringent security and public awareness campaigns are necessary to avert further attacks.
For the time being, residents are warned to exercise extreme caution. They are advised to move in groups, use trusted transport services, and inform the authorities of suspicious vehicles. The residents hope action comes quickly to regain safety and confidence in users of Siaya–Bondo route.
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