The collapse of Mumias Sugar Company is to blame for the recent killings in Matungu, Kakamega County, church leaders in the region are now claiming.
The clergy on Saturday blamed the situation on joblessness emerging from the closure of the mega factory, which they said is pushing young people into violence due to idleness.
Under the leadership of Mumias ACK Diocese Bishop Josphat Wandere, the clergy called upon the state to help the company back on its feet to settle the poverty levels in the region.
“So many people are roaming around and there is rampant poverty which is now contributing to the current situation of insecurity in this area,” Wandere was quoted by the Standard.
The leaders also bashed the government for failing to tame the situation in its early stages, judging by its possession of security apparatus and investigative abilities.
The chain of violence has so far seen 14 locals brutally killed by the gangs which locals claim are armed with pangas, including three students.
On Friday, police in Mumias arrested one more suspect named Charles Wesonga Toto in Butombe Village.
According to Mumias Police Commandant Peter Kattam, the suspect was captured with weapons and three rolls of bhang in his house.
"When he was arrested at Butombe Village, the police found in his possession, a panga, an axe and three rolls of bhang. He also revealed three accomplices whom we are pursuing,” Kattam said as quoted by Standard.