The Madaraka Day celebrations were turned into a platform where locals complained about their welfare at the Kisumu edition of the celebrations on Saturday.
The function which was held at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, was dominated with complaints of insecurity in the region and crimes against vulnerable groups, especially women.
The Maendeleo Ya Wanawake organization raised alarm over rising cases of sexual abuse against women and children in the county, calling for intervention from relevant entities.
The organization Chair Caren Oloo expressed concerns, due to alarming increase of rape cases reported, especially from slum areas, which has made life hell for women.
“Nyalenda residents are no longer comfortable to allow their daughters visit toilets at night. We are living in fear The crimes targeting women and children in Nyalenda must stop,” she was quoted by the Nation.
Oloo said that the gang has been hiding in toilets and pounce on women when the opportunity comes, before sexually assaulting them.
The same was confirmed by area County Commissioner Pauline Dola, who called for calm, saying that her officers have nabbed a number of suspects in line with the same.
She said that a group of 20 suspects have been arrested and are awaiting being arraigned in court, urging residents to work in collaboration with county security agencies for better results.
She added that police patrols have been enhanced across the country to ensure that locals are secured from criminals.
"We have in custody five hardcore criminals who have been on the run for a long time, they will be charged in court next week,” said the police boss.
Ms Pauline Kwacha who is a who is a member of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake said that a number of sexual abuse cases have gone unnoticed due to the society's unwillingness to report them.