In a troubling robbery incident in Macalder, Migori County, a couple sustained serious gunshot wounds while operating their Mpesa shop, as confirmed by police and local residents. This alarming event sparked protests on Wednesday, with community members demanding the immediate arrest of the assailants. Protesters expressed their concerns over the increasing frequency of such attacks, which they claim have severely disrupted their livelihoods.
The police have assured the public that they will actively pursue and apprehend the attackers. According to law enforcement, the couple had closed their business late Monday night and were en route home when a gang confronted them. The assailants made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, fleeing on foot after shooting the man in the left shoulder and the woman in the right shoulder at close range.
Despite a swift police response to the scene, no arrests occurred, as the perpetrators had already fled. The victims received prompt medical attention and were admitted to a local hospital in stable condition. Reports indicate that the gunmen are specifically targeting money from gold dealers and other business owners. Authorities are intensifying their efforts to track down the gangs responsible for these incidents, which have spread to Migori town and occasionally near the Kenya-Tanzania border.
In a separate incident in Esikulu, Busia County, a boda boda operator was stabbed and seriously injured during a robbery that resulted in the theft of his motorcycle. The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, while the suspects escaped the scene on February 3. Such violent crimes have surged, complicating ongoing efforts to combat this trend, as stolen motorcycles are often sold elsewhere. Police are actively investigating these reported incidents.
Additionally, law enforcement is looking into a case involving a man who was violently assaulted at his workplace in Gatundu, Kiambu County. While his colleagues initially claimed he suffered an accident, preliminary police findings suggest he was beaten. The victim remains in critical condition in the ICU at Kijabe Hospital since January 23. Authorities await his recovery to record his statement and advance their investigation into this attempted murder.
