- Vihiga County is facing a surge in violent crime, including shootings, robberies, and attacks on police officers, leaving residents fearful and frustrated.
- Local communities have lost trust in security agencies, prompting calls for urgent reforms and stronger law enforcement.
- Mob justice and gang violence, particularly by the Rambo Family, highlight the growing desperation among residents for safety and accountability.
Insecurity has escalated into a full blown crisis in Vihiga County, with residents openly questioning the effectiveness and, in some cases, the conduct of security agents tasked with protecting them. A surge in violent robberies, fatal shootings, attacks on police officers, and incidents of mob justice has left communities gripped by fear and anger. What was once considered isolated criminal activity now appears to be a persistent pattern steadily eroding public confidence in the security apparatus.
The deteriorating situation recently compelled Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to tour the county and engage local administrators in efforts to restore calm. During a meeting at the County Commissioner’s office, the Cabinet Secretary assured residents that the government would not stand by as criminals wreak havoc in the county.
He emphasized the urgency of action, saying, “We cannot allow our people to suffer due to a few criminals within the County and if it means to make few changes within our security agents, that will be done.”
His remarks came amid growing public frustration, with some locals accusing security officers of inaction or negligence in curbing the rising wave of violent crimes. Despite these assurances, incidents of robbery with violence continue to dominate reports from various parts of the county.
In Luanda Sub County, residents were plunged into mourning following the fatal shooting of a middle aged Mpesa operator, Beverline Afwande, on February 15, 2026. According to police reports, Afwande operated an Mpesa shop in Luanda town. On the day in question, she was riding home on a motorcycle when she was ambushed by three men who were also riding a motorcycle.
One officer familiar with the incident stated, “The victim was on her way home using a motorcycle when she was waylaid by three men on a motorcycle and shot in the chest.” The assailants grabbed a bag she was carrying, believed to contain an unknown amount of money, before fleeing the scene. Afwande was rushed to Coptic Mission Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Luanda Police Commander Richard Siele confirmed that investigations are underway and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement officers. “We are on the move to ensure the culprits are brought to book. We also urge the citizens to work with us. If there is any tip off that may lead to the arrest, they should not hold on,” Siele said.
The killing intensified fear among business operators, particularly mobile money agents, who often handle substantial cash transactions late into the evening.
The incident drew sharp condemnation from former Luanda Member of Parliament and current Vihiga County Assembly Speaker Christopher Omulele. He denounced the killing and urged authorities to act swiftly. “We cannot just sit back and watch as our sons and daughters perish in cold blood due to insecurity problems. We need to re look into our security apparatus in the area,” Omulele said.
He added, “My good leadership is about the value of people’s lives. What is happening in Luanda is not acceptable.” Omulele referenced previous insecurity incidents in the area, including the shooting of Ervine Wamboi of Etondo, Esiandumba, Mwibona, who was shot in the leg in the morning hours of December 24, 2025. According to him, several gun related incidents have occurred in Luanda Sub County over the past two years, leaving residents living in constant fear.
He further called on the police, specifically the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, to disclose the perpetrators behind what he described as the terrorizing of Luanda’s residents. “Police and specifically the DCI must tell the people of Luanda what and who is behind these terrorism of the people of Luanda,” Omulele said.
The insecurity concerns are not limited to Luanda. In Vihiga Sub County, an Administrative Police officer deployed at the Vihiga County Assembly was attacked in the early hours of January 14, 2026. At around 4 a.m., APC Abiud Simiyu was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood, with his G3 rifle missing.
His colleague, APC Francis Wekesa, who was manning Gate B at the County Assembly, recounted the scene: “Upon arriving on the scene, I had to raise the alarm quickly for rescue and support from my colleagues. Other officers came on the site to rescue and ascertain the situation at that time.”
Among the officers who responded were SSP William Sirengo and his deputy. Investigations established that an unknown individual had sneaked into the guard room where Simiyu was stationed and attacked him using a sharp object. The assailant inflicted serious head injuries before fleeing with Simiyu’s G3 rifle, which was loaded with twenty rounds.
Simiyu was rushed to Vihiga County Referral Hospital before being transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized treatment. Officers are on the run to search for the suspect as investigators intensify efforts to trace the stolen firearm and apprehend the perpetrator.
In Emuhaya Sub County, frustration over insecurity has escalated into mob justice. A middle aged man allegedly stabbed a motorbike rider in a failed robbery attempt. Before he could escape, the public intervened, rescuing the victim. The suspect fled, but an angry mob later attacked his home and destroyed all his belongings.
In Sabatia Sub County, the so-called Rambo Family, an alleged robbery gang linked to motorcycle theft, continues to terrorize residents. Four members are reportedly on the run, while two have been killed by mob justice. A resident warned, “We have no peace with the Rambo family until all of them are buried.”
Another resident added, “Police officers at Mudete and Kilingili just watch us as these boys frustrate our peace. It’s our time also to give them frustration until they are all in the grave.” Efforts to reach security agents in Sabatia failed, with the Officer Commanding Police Division reportedly not responding to calls. Locals claim that the suspects on the run may be hiding in areas including Nyahera Bar Union area, Kiboswa, Gambogi, Tigoi, and Tambua, some within Kisumu County.
The string of violent incidents across Luanda, Vihiga, Emuhaya, and Sabatia paints a troubling picture of a county grappling with a serious security crisis. Fatal shootings, attacks on police officers, armed robberies, and mob justice incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
While CS Murkomen has pledged reforms and potential changes within security agencies, residents are now looking for tangible results. Restoration of public trust will depend not only on promises but on visible action, successful investigations, and swift prosecution of those responsible.
For the people of Vihiga County, the demand is clear: they want security, accountability, and lasting peace. Until these are realized, the county remains at a critical juncture, struggling to reclaim stability and safeguard the lives of its residents.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Exploring pathways to globalized security and peacebuilding
