Youth in Kisii County have been warned against joining criminal gangs that terrorise residents.
Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi noted that youth should stop joining groups with the aim of attacking, robbing and killing innocent residents.
Speaking on Monday after holding a security meeting with local leaders from Bomachoge Chache, Maangi raised concerns over the escalating cases of insecurity in Kenyenya Sub-County, noting that police officers should be on high alert to curb insecurity.
"Youth joining criminal groups must be nabbed and arraigned in court. The public should not keep quiet while criminals are killing innocent people. I urge parents to report children associating themselves with gangsters to the police for arrests to be made before they become dangerous criminals," said Maangi.
The deputy governor further challenged police officers to work closely with Nyumba Kumi officials and local chiefs to avert crime in the area.
"Security officers must intensify security patrols day and night to ensure youths taking advantage of the dark to terrorise innocent residents are flushed out of the villages. People must also stop living with criminals in villages by ensuring criminals are reported to police for legal action to be taken," he added.
He, however, urged police officers to stop using excessive force especially when residents hold demonstrations, arguing that unnecessary killings resulting from demos must stop.