Panic grips Kisumu as machete-wielding gangs invade estate

Residents of Nyalenda estate in Kisumu central are living in fear following the emergence of a panga (machete)-wielding gang.

In a span of less than one month, over 15 women have been raped and some are still undergoing treatment in various facilities.

According to residents, the suspects–who operate in the wee hours of the night in the sprawling slum–target mostly women.

They reportedly rob them and at times even rape their victims.

A visit by Citizen Digital to the slum on Tuesday revealed the horrendous tales of survivors of the gang attack.

Sylvia* narrated how she had to the bathroom when suddenly men clad in black attacked her.

Sylvia* said nothing was stolen from her but they hacked her leaving her with serious wounds on her body.

Another victim, Rose*, said the gang raped her in a thicket despite her screams for help.

The horrific tale was similar to that of Maria* who was attacked as she came from a night vigil.

Maria* is still recuperating at a local hospital.

Another woman, Diana* was robbed off her phone and suffered panga-inflicted wounds too.

Nyalenda MCA Jakcton Ojwang Ogendo has warned that locals may be forced to take the law in the hands and flush out the gang members if the government does not beef up security.

Ogendo added that he has had unsuccessful meetings with the county police bosses on several occasions.

There has been no intervention despite several police stations being a stone-throw away from where the attacks happened.

The gang is said to operate around St Johns, Capital, Kawater and Okonyo Welo areas.