Tension in Kisumu village over criminal gang burning down houses, demanding cash

Residents of Alungo village in West Seme, Kisumu County, are living in fear following a sudden emergence of a criminal gang targeting homes, demanding cash and valuable items and threatening to set houses ablaze if their demands are not met.

Three homes have so far been torched with a couple reportedly murdered during one of the incidents.

The latest attack adds to the growing list of homes that have already fallen victim to the gangs, who not only torch houses but inflict physical harm on their victims.

“We are just asking the government to intervene and assist us. None of us are safe and our lives are in danger,” an Alungo village resident told Citizen TV.  

Last week, Kennedy Odhiambo Otieno and Sheilla Akinyi Oburu, a couple, were reportedly attacked and brutally murdered at their home with their house being torched as well.

Residents say the gang has a habit of dropping leaflets at targeted homes, issuing a two-week ultimatum to give money and valuables, or else incur their wrath.

The senseless killings and damage to property has now left area residents living in fear following the sudden emergence of the gangs