Police in Kisii town have apprehended five men believed to be members of the outlawed Sungu Sungu vigilante following reports that they were intimidating first-year students who had reported in the nearby Kisii University past 8pm.
According to a group of senior students who spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter, the group had been soliciting between Sh500-1,000 for any student found roaming in the suburbs.
“First years have been harassed and intimidated by the group of Sungu Sungu and we know them well," said a source.
"Those found moving around the villages past 8pm are asked to pay between Sh500-1000 failure to which they are beaten.”
A first-year victim, Morris Mwendwa, narrated his predicaments with tears flowing down his chicks when recounting the Friday evening incident.
“I was walking past Manoti hostels at around 9pm to my room and I was cornered by a group of people who demanded that I pay ‘something’ or else I dance the music. I was with my friend and we had to part with Sh2,000 to rescue ourselves,” he said.
However, Kisii OCS John Wamotho confirmed arresting of five men following a tip by a senior student of Saturday evening.
“I got a desperate call by a senior student and the police responded immediately. I am happy that we cornered the culprits and they will be subjected to the rule of law from this Monday. All we need is more students to come forward and help us prosecute the cases because Sungu Sungu is an outlawed sector,” he said.