Kisumu County Commissioner Mohammed Ramadhan Mwabudzo has declared an all-out crackdown on criminal gangs, vowing that goons will have no space to operate anywhere in the county under his administration.
Addressing the media after a high-level County Security Committee meeting co-chaired with Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Wednesday, Mwabudzo said the government had adopted sweeping measures to restore law and order and stamp out criminal activities across the county.
“Resist goonism, and there will be no goonism in Kisumu. No goons will operate under my watch,” the County Commissioner declared.
Reading a six-point joint County Security Committee communiqué, Mwabudzo said the committee had resolved to tighten security at political meetings and public gatherings while eliminating criminal gangs that have increasingly infiltrated public spaces.
He warned that the government would not tolerate the use of illegal or unregulated security groups, reiterating that adequate security would continue to be provided for all lawful meetings and events upon request.
The committee also announced plans to streamline the public transport sector by working closely with matatu SACCOs and national security agencies to flush out criminals operating within the industry.
“We will sensitize matatu operators to ensure the sector remains safe and accessible to all citizens. A joint operation involving the County Government, Public Transport SACCOs and national security agencies will be launched to weed out criminal elements,” the communiqué stated.
In a further crackdown on crime, the County Government will revoke licences and permits of businesses found to be facilitating or engaging in criminal activities.
Mwabudzo said intelligence-led policing would also be strengthened through the establishment of formal Village Security Committees and Neighbourhood Security Committees across the county. The structures will serve as direct links between communities and security agencies, enabling faster reporting and response to emerging security threats while fostering public trust.
The committee further resolved to embrace technology in combating crime by expanding the county’s CCTV surveillance network. High-definition cameras will be installed in residential estates and strategic public spaces to enable real-time monitoring and support investigations, tracking and prosecution of offenders.
To improve safety during the night, the County Government will also fast-track the installation and maintenance of high-mast floodlights and street lighting, with priority given to crime-prone areas, informal settlements and major transport corridors.
Mwabudzo reaffirmed that both the National Government and the County Government would maintain a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness.
“These resolutions take effect immediately, and implementation teams have already been deployed across all sub-counties to enforce the agreed measures,” he said.
The meeting brought together members of the County Security Committee, the Governor, County Executive Committee members led by County Secretary Hesborn Hongo, and senior national government security officials.
