Matungu residents stage protests over rise in insecurity

Police officers who attempted to disperse the protesters have faced resistance with residents accusing them of failing to curb rising cases of insecurity. The latest incident left a businessman dead.

Hundreds of protesters lit bonfires, piled logs of firewood on the tarmac, barricaded the Busia-Mumias Highway and paralysed transport and business operations in the town and on either side of the highway.

Residents directed their anger at authorities after a businessman was killed and several shops ransacked by armed robbers. 

"Jana wameuwa mfanya biashara hapa hatutakubali hapa alafu gorvernor ametuzimia taa. Matungu tuko kwa giza wiki mbili. Hii wizi inatokana na hizo lights," Washington Keya, a resident stated. 

"Watu wanauliwa ki holela holela usiku hatuwezi tembea wanabiashara hata wengine wameaanza kutoka Matungu wakienda kuinvest kwingine. So sisi tunaomba Mr President kindly we want security in Matungu. The Minister of Security we want security in Matungu. Kindly we are tired," Lameck Murunga, another resident said. 

The residents also accused authorities of laxity and ineffectiveness in combating crime saying those tasked with protecting life and property have turned a blind eye to their suffering.

"Sisi tunauliza hivi hapa matungu tuko na chief, tuko na ocs tuko na voingozi engine. Itakuwaje vitu zinafanyika na hawatuelezi. Hakuna hatakiongozi mmoja amefika hapa kutueleza ni nini imefanyika.Sisi tunasema hivi, OCS aeende. Sisi tunasema OCS must go," Bashir Shabaan, another resident pointed out. 

Attempts by police officers to disperse the protesters proved futile. The residents later dispersed after holding their protests.