Kisumu city has had quite secure streets compared to other cities in Kenya.
However, in the recent past, this has completely changed following the emergence of a gang commonly known as '42 brothers’ gang.
When night falls, part of Kisumu city streets turn into a no-go zone due to increased fear of the rapid crime cases. The most dreaded ‘42 Brothers’ gang sends shivers down the spines because they rape, rob, shoot and slash their victims with unbridled ruthlessness.
Armed with guns and machetes, the gang is said to operate in groups of 10 or more, terrorising residents with such impunity that they lurk at the scene of attacks fearlessly and saunter away with ease and on foot.
Anthony Oballa, a social worker and football coach who mentors children in slums, was two months ago brutally attacked by armed thugs around Kondele and left for dead. He survived and was hospitalised for over one month.
“The thugs just hit me from the back and I lost consciousness,” said Oballa.
So severe was the attack that it left him with deep cuts on the head and eye. Unfortunately, he is yet to undergo surgery due to lack of funds.
But even as police train guns on thugs who operate at night, especially the dreaded gang in Kisumu, a new wave of crime targeting M-Pesa outlets and banks in broad daylight has come up.
Two weeks ago, police shot one person dead and arrested five others who staged a daring daylight robbery at Equity Bank along Ang’awa Street.
Despite the much effort by police to ensure security in Kisumu, crimes are increasing day by day leaving the people of Kisumu in worries.