Homa bay: Homa Bay County Police Commander, Lawrence Koilem, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the growing insecurity challenges facing the County. Speaking at Ogande Girls Secondary School, Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, expressed concern over increasing cases of assault, murder, drug abuse, and insecurity in the county, describing them as major threats to community safety and development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Koilem identified land disputes as one of the leading causes of insecurity in Homa Bay. Disagreements over land ownership, boundaries, and inheritance issues frequently escalate into conflicts among family members and neighbors, sometimes escalating into violence, murder, and destruction of property.
Koilem urged residents to obtain legal ownership documents for their land and seek assistance from relevant government agencies whenever disputes occur. He emphasized the importance of following legal procedures and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands, which often results in tragic consequences for families and communities.
The Police Commander also raised concerns over security in school institutions, stressing that learning environments should be safe for students to focus on their education without fear. He called on school management to strengthen security measures, including hiring additional security personnel to patrol school compounds and monitor activities.
Koilem highlighted the need for thorough screening of students returning to school after holidays to prevent prohibited items, including drugs, from entering school compounds. He described drug abuse as a growing challenge among young people and a major contributor to criminal behavior, urging youths to use their talents positively.
The Police Commander issued a warning to individuals involved in criminal activities, including drug abuse and theft, asserting that they will face the full force of the law. He appealed to the public to support security agencies by providing information on suspicious activities.
Homa Bay County Commissioner, Ronald Mwiwawi, echoed similar sentiments, indicating that substance abuse among students has contributed to behavior undermining their well-being and educational development. Mwiwawi blamed drugs for issues such as same-sex relationships among students and other misconduct in schools, urging students to focus on their education.
These remarks come amid growing concerns over substance abuse among young people in parts of the county, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb the distribution and consumption of narcotic drugs and illicit alcohol. Mwiwawi reiterated that combating drug abuse is a priority for his administration to improve security, protect learners, and promote social and economic development in Homa Bay.
