For decades, the economic potential of Kibos area has remained in limbo, as a result of serious insecurity issues, a situation that has affected investment in the area.
Insecurity has also affected mushrooming economic development aligning with the roaring Kibos sugar factory in the area.
The self regulating, faceless vigilante that operates in stealth mode during both day and night is however changing the narrative.
Formed after a series of consultative meetings chaired by the area chief of Wathorego location, the vigilante is progressively restoring order occasioned by successful raids both day and night, assuring security of villagers and would-be-investors.
The team is praised for its well calculated raids from well coordinated security briefs from the area chief, members of his security council and with the cooperation of dwellers.
The latest successful raid yielded the apprehension of three youthful members of a wider gang that has continued to terrorize Kibos, Elgons, Mamboleo and Wigot areas.
The three unidentified youthful men were apprehended while ferrying vandalized processed metal rods from an active building site in the wee hours of the night on a motorbike registered as KMGN 193N, also believed to be stolen.
Recently, Gem Sub County in Siaya county made headlines ranging from a serial killer on the loose to increased deaths as area leaders continue to perfect their art in blame games.
Kotunga vigilante members are continuing to receive both praise and support for restoring peace and order in Kisumu East, with each home contributing Ksh 200.
However, the vigilante team has not received any support from the member of parliament’s office.
“We formed Kotunga vigilante group to complement the existing security structures in Kisumu East to flush out all the bad elements that make life unbearable by threatening our security,” said Lukio Oliech, Kotunga village elder.
“Although this is purely a volunteering initiative, members of Kotunga unanimously agreed to support us with Ksh. 200 per home to aid us acquire all-weather gears like gumboots, raincoats, headgears and torches,” he added.
