By Erick Otieno
Residents of Macalder Town in Nyatike Sub-County have raised alarm over worsening insecurity following a deadly robbery incident in which a couple was shot at close range by armed attackers.
The victims, Mr Francis Juma and his wife, Madam Jedida Otieno, were ambushed on Monday evening shortly after leaving their M-Pesa shop within Macalder Town. The attack occurred near the Macalder Police residential area, where the assailants reportedly opened fire before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.
Mr Juma and his wife sustained serious gunshot wounds and are currently fighting for their lives in separate hospitals in Migori and Kisumu.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Vincent Aketch, the father of Mr Juma, condemned the persistent insecurity in the area.
“We are living in fear. Two weeks ago, another shooting happened near the same place, and up to now, nothing has been communicated to the public. We want justice and protection,” said Mr Aketch.
Residents noted that the latest incident is part of a worrying trend of violent crime in the gold-rich region, which had remained largely peaceful for decades.
Macalder Kanyarwanda Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Felix Okwanyo, while addressing residents at the Nyatike North Deputy County Commissioner’s office, expressed disappointment with the security agencies for what he termed as laxity.
“It is unfortunate that insecurity is rising in an area that has been peaceful for many years. The security team must take responsibility for this failure,” said Okwanyo.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals, noting that the mining site has attracted many foreigners from neighbouring countries.
“We have many strangers in the mining area, some from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and other regions. People must be alert and report anything unusual,” he added.
The MCA called for collective action from all stakeholders to address the insecurity, warning that it poses a serious threat to Nyatike’s fast-growing economy. He further appealed to the Principal Secretary for Internal Security, Dr Raymond Omollo, to intervene and consider transferring officers who have overstayed in the area.
Nyatike North Deputy County Commissioner Mr Daniel Omukoko confirmed the incident and assured the public that investigations are under way.
“We have launched investigations, and we are confident that the perpetrators will be arrested and brought to book,” said Omukoko.
He also warned illegal foreign nationals operating in the area that they would be dealt with in accordance with Kenyan law.
Mr Omukoko revealed that a spent cartridge was recovered at the scene and would be forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi for forensic analysis.
“The recovered cartridge will help us establish the firearm used in the attack,” he stated.
Several residents, led by Mr Jack Okeyo and Ms Emily Akoth, lamented the growing insecurity, saying it has created fear and uncertainty among hardworking community members.
“We have struggled for years to build our livelihoods here. Now we live in fear because of criminals,” said Ms Akoth.
They called on the government to enhance security patrols, increase police presence, and fast-track investigations to restore peace in the busy mining town.
As Macalder continues to attract investors and miners due to its rich gold deposits, residents are urging authorities to act decisively before insecurity cripples the region’s economic potential.
