The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has confirmed the arrest of goons involved in the attacks on properties owned by former PS Irungu Nyakera and ex-CS Raphael Tuju.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, March 12, Kanja stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court over the raid of the Kisumu Hotel and the Karen home.
He reiterated that the police would not allow the use of goons ahead of the 2027 elections and vowed to take firm action.
“Goons are criminals, and we don’t have space for goons. We have arrested many, and we have taken many to court. The DCI is busy making sure that those who are not conforming are taken to court,” Kanja said.
On his part, the DCI Boss Amin Mohamed confirmed the arrests, adding that the investigative agency was reviewing footage shared to identify the suspects.
“We have taken note of the incidents that took place in Karen and Kisumu, and we have already arrested a couple of people who have already been arraigned before the court, and for some, we are in the process of identifying them,” Amin stated.
IG Kanja, who chaired a meeting with Police County Commanders, reminded them that they would be held responsible for any security lapses within their jurisdictions.
“I must mention, I have reminded them that they are responsible for the security and safety of their counties,” he stated.
The statement by the IG and DCI Boss came amid concerns raised over the spate of attacks carried out by goons across the country.
In an earlier statement, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo questioned the rise of gangster culture in the country and a perceived tolerance by authorities.
Odhiambo warned that the country would easily decelerate to the level of Haiti, where criminal gangs run the country.
This comes after over 100 goons attacked the former Devolution PS Irungu Nyakera’s hotel in Kisumu County on Wednesday morning.
In a statement, Nyakera claimed that the goons stormed the premises, attacked the staff, and destroyed property of unknown value.
Nyakera noted that he was at the hotel at the time and fired two warning shots into the air to scare away the goons from the premises.
“At 5:00 am today, over 100 goons attacked my hotel in Kisumu, damaging property and injuring our staff, including tying up the security lady. Upon hearing the commotion, I quickly went after them, shooting twice in the air as they fled,” said Nyakera.
On the other hand, Tuju confronted several goons who stormed his property on Wednesday night and attempted to evict him.
Speaking after the incident, Tuju said that the goons were claiming they were representing the new owners of the property following an alleged auction.
“The person whom they told me they were working for is a person who claims to have bought this place. But all those are some of the things which are being prosecuted in court,” Tuju said.
