61 suspected gang members arrested in Kitale crackdown

• The suspects are said to belong to two rival gangs, one in each estate, whose violent fallout has left residents living in fear and dictated when they can open or close their businesses.

Police in Kitale town have arrested 61 suspected members of criminal gangs accused of terrorising residents in Shanti and Premium estates, on the outskirts of the town.

The suspects are said to belong to two rival gangs, one in each estate, whose violent fallout has left residents living in fear and dictated when they can open or close their businesses.

Police say the gangs began terrorising residents after a dispute at a local funeral, before the conflict escalated into a full-blown threat to community safety.

Behind the calm that greets visitors to the two estates, traders say the insecurity has hit their livelihoods hard. Caroline Wabwire, a vegetable vendor, said she is frequently forced to close her stall early for fear of her safety.

"We have gone through a very hard time. We cannot settle at our workplaces. We are just hustlers, small traders trying to earn a living because we have no other jobs. Especially the goods we sell, you find youths breaking in and robbing us," she said.

Another resident, Jefrice Omondi, said the gangs target ordinary people going about their day.

"Even if you are wearing nice shoes, they will take them. If you have no phone, they strip you of good clothes. I think idleness has contributed to a large extent," he said.

Residents say most of the youth in the area lack employment opportunities, a situation they believe pushes them into crime. They want the government to create jobs for the idle youth.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Rico Ngare said the operation was launched over the weekend, with the 61 suspects arrested on various offences, including membership of criminal gangs. Some were also found in possession of narcotics.

"The operation was launched over the weekend. We have arrested 61 people on different offences, for joining criminal gangs, and others were found with narcotics," he said.

Police say calm has since returned to the area, with security patrols intensified following the arrests, which include the alleged gang leaders.

Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Alasom Hussein said the crackdown was necessary because the gangs had caused fear among residents.

"The operation had to happen because they had caused fear in the area, but now calm has returned and there is enough security," he said.