Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has condemned Sunday’s deadly violence in the Milimani area, describing it as organised criminal activity and pledging that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
In a statement released on Monday July 13, the governor said two young men were killed after two organised criminal groups engaged in a violent confrontation on Sunday, July 12. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families, saying the tragedy was a stark reminder of the devastating impact of criminal violence on communities.
Governor Nyong’o dismissed suggestions that the incident was merely an act of youthful indiscipline, insisting it was a case of organised criminal conduct that would be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted accordingly.
“The County Security Committee has resolved that organised criminal activity will be confronted with the full force of the law. We reject the tendency to dismiss such incidents as isolated acts of youthful indiscipline. What occurred in Milimani was organised criminal conduct, and it will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly,” said Nyong’o.
He announced that eight suspects arrested in connection with the violence would be arraigned in court on Monday, adding that investigations were ongoing.
He said that authorities are also analysing digital evidence, including videos circulating on social media, to identify and prosecute additional suspects.
The governor warned that Kisumu would offer no refuge to criminal gangs or individuals involved in acts of violence, including those acting on behalf of political or commercial interests.
Nyong’o also linked insecurity to the county’s economic prospects, saying organised crime discourages investment, disrupts businesses, undermines entrepreneurship and limits employment opportunities for young people.
He said the county would pursue every lawful avenue to ensure those responsible are held accountable for the broader economic harm caused by criminal activity.
“Violence discourages investment, disrupts commerce, undermines enterprise, and erodes employment opportunities for the very young people who should be the principal beneficiaries of economic growth,” he said.
The governor further warned politicians and aspiring leaders against sponsoring violence, saying those found financing, organising or facilitating criminal acts would face legal consequences.
He revealed that an ongoing security operation approved by the County Security Committee had already resulted in the arrest of more than 200 suspects across the county and said the crackdown would continue until criminal networks were dismantled.
Governor Nyong’o also commended the National Police Service for its swift response during Sunday’s violence, particularly around St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral and St. Joseph Catholic Church, where officers helped prevent further loss of life.
“We commend the National Police Service for its prompt and professional response during yesterday’s incident, particularly around St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Their intervention prevented further loss of life and demonstrated the level of vigilance and professionalism that the people of Kisumu rightly expect from our security agencies.”
Calling on young people to reject violence, the governor urged them to embrace education, innovation, productive work and responsible citizenship as the foundation for Kisumu’s future.
