Kakamega OCS Asks Locals to Discipline Thugs Before Alerting Police: "Kesi Baadaye"
- A Kakamega OCS, concerned about rising insecurity, urged locals to defend themselves if ambushed by thugs, citing constitutional provisions
- In a video, the senior officer demonstrated how residents can handle attackers whose actions could cause death or trauma if left unchecked
- He also issued a stern warning to youths involved in crime, outlining the tough measures police will use to restore peace in the community
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kakamega: Lumakanda Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Wycliffe Kwendo, has stirred debate after urging residents to take matters into their own hands when confronted by thugs, before alerting the police.
Source: UGC
Kwendo issued the advice amid growing concern over increasing cases of insecurity across parts of the country.
In some instances, residents have resorted to mob justice, including setting machinery supposedly used by criminals on fire.
Should residents discipline thugs?
Speaking during a public baraza, Kwendo expressed frustration over increasing cases of insecurity in the region, lamenting that many residents are reluctant to protect their property or defend themselves due to fear of legal consequences.
“Our people go out to work and return to find their homes broken into, vandalised, and looted. The Constitution gives you the right to protect your property,” Kwendo said, drawing applause and chants from the crowd.
He gave a controversial example, stating: “Somebody enters your home, defiles your child and assaults your wife as you watch. Deal with that person first, and report to the OCS later.”
Kwendo warned that residents should remain vigilant, especially at night when criminal activity spikes.
“If you see someone digging through your wall to enter your house, arm yourself – they might kill you. Discipline them before they gain access,” he said, adding in Kiswahili, “Hata punda huchoka kwa mteremko.”
To ensure lasting peace in crime-prone areas, he also condemned the involvement of local youths in criminal activities, cautioning that police will be conducting joint night patrols using dogs.
“We know some of these thugs are our sons. When we find you, don’t run into maize plantations thinking we won’t follow. I’ll release the dogs because I can’t go into the maize farm myself,” he warned.
Source: Facebook
How did Kenyans react to Kwendo's advice?
However, some Kenyans on social media disagreed with him, saying the advice would promote lawlessness.
Tom
"Huyu anakuaga hivyo na drill zake za takataka. Why advocate for lawlessness when you're the custodian?"
Moha Odes
"Hapo kwa self defense ni sawa, lakni wananchi tuchunge sana kesi inaweza kugeuka na OCS aseme sikukuambia muuwe mtu...what next? Utashtakiwa na huyo OCS ndio atasign karatasi zako ufungwe."
Vitalis
"This man is right. Just respect someone's property. Mkijua ile jasho na sacrifice watu wanafanya."
Kevo the gentleman
"That's not a law. Utamalizana naye na sheria itamalizana na wewe pia."
Isiolo woman killed by suspected livestock thieves
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a 36-year-old woman from Isiolo county was killed by suspected livestock thieves who raided her home and stole three Ayrshire cows.
The woman, the wife of a local pastor, was home alone when the attackers scaled her perimeter wall and shot her in the abdomen. According to Isiolo OCPD, the victim was rushed to Isiolo County Referral Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers, assisted by residents, later tracked down the suspects and recovered the stolen livestock.
The suspects, however, were severely beaten by the mob before officers managed to rescue and arrest them.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
