By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga has issued a stern warning to emerging criminal gangs terrorizing residents, cautioning that they will face severe consequences once apprehended.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Busende Primary School grounds in Busia Sub-County, Chaunga said security agencies have intensified patrols and surveillance in hotspot areas to curb the rising insecurity.
“We have received reports of gangs that have emerged in Bumala and Samia Sub-County. These groups are composed of young boys who have been attacking residents at night, armed with machetes and pangas. We have beefed up security and patrols in the affected areas, and we are warning them to stop these criminal acts because once we get them, the consequences will be severe,” he said.
The county commissioner urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s behavior and to ensure they do not engage in criminal activities.
“We will use all available means to maintain peace in the county and the country at large. As we warn the youth, parents must also play their part. These children come from homes. What are you doing as a parent when your child is roaming outside at night? Let us be involved in our children’s lives to prevent them from joining criminal gangs,” he emphasized.
Chaunga also appealed to residents to register as voters in preparation for the 2027 General Election, saying it was their constitutional right and civic duty.
“It’s your right to vote, but to enjoy that right, you must be registered. As we head toward 2027, I urge everyone who has not registered to do so. I also call upon local administrators to help sensitize the public on the importance of voter registration,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, who directed ward and sub-county administrators to assist in mobilizing locals to register with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“We will engage with IEBC to identify any challenges preventing people from registering and explore how we can bring services closer to unregistered residents. Participating in elections gives us the power to shape the destiny of our country by electing leaders who can drive development,” Otuoma said.
