Fear and Violence in Kogony Village, Kisumu.

In Kogony village near Kisumu International Airport, residents live in fear due to a violent gang.
Unlike thieves who steal, this gang attacks people with pangas, causing injury and death.
The gang begins their attacks at dusk, especially around Riat market. Victims suffer from
beatings, stabbings, and slashing. Surviving often means being left maimed.
One victim, Rashid Psama, a security guard, was killed by the gang. Amburo Ngadi lost a hand
in an attack. He symbolizes the group’s brutality.
Village elder Rombo Chanji expressed shame over the insecurity, saying, “It’s better for a robber
to take your things than to be attacked and left for dead.”
Mama Eunice Adero, not her real name, was brutally beaten by the gang. Last December, as she
returned from her tomato stall at Uhuru market, she was surrounded and attacked. Despite
offering her belongings, the gang showed no mercy. She lost a tooth and was left in a pool of
blood.
The violence also claimed the life of a young man at Riat market on the same night.
This violence is surprising because there are police stations nearby. In June, Kisumu County
Commissioner Benson Laparmorijo announced a security operation to combat the crime. He
promised to catch criminals who attack and rob residents.
Kisumu County Police Commander Kizito Mutoro urged the public to report crimes to help the
police. However, months later, residents say little has changed, and gangs still control many
areas.