Homa bay: The government has raised a red flag over the escalating incidents of youth violence and organized goons in Homa Bay, cautioning that the trend poses a threat to peace, investment, and the development projects underway in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Commissioner (CC) Ronald Mwiwawi, who has been in office for six weeks since his transfer to the county, emphasized that his primary focus is to restore security in the region, allowing residents to live and work without fear. Mwiwawi expressed concern over the alarming behavior of young individuals wielding machetes and causing panic in the streets. “Homa Bay is a peaceful place, and we cannot allow our county to be associated with goons,” he stressed.
The commissioner called upon elders, parents, and community leaders to guide the youth away from criminal activities, noting that insecurity hampers the county’s growth and deters potential investors and tourists. He highlighted that ongoing national government projects, such as the Rusinga Island tarmac road and the new Kabunde Airstrip, can only proceed as planned if the environment remains secure.
Mwiwawi reiterated that development cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear. “If we want these projects to succeed and attract more investments, we must eliminate violence,” he asserted. He also appealed for strong cooperation between the national and county governments, noting that political tension and division undermine security efforts. “There is no us and them; we all serve the same citizens. Security requires unity,” he remarked.
To address the insecurity, the commissioner outlined several government-supported youth initiatives aimed at reducing idleness, which he identified as a contributing factor to crime. These initiatives include the recruitment of 207 youth under the Affordable Housing program, where they will earn a monthly income of Sh25,000 once the work commences next month. Additionally, young artisans will be enrolled in six-month vocational training programs for trades such as masonry and carpentry, with certification provided upon completion to enhance their employment prospects.
Mwiwawi stated that these programs are designed to dismantle youth gangs by offering meaningful employment and economic opportunities. He urged collective efforts to restore Homa Bay’s reputation as a peaceful region, saying, “We want a goon-free Homa Bay. Let us reject violence, support our youth, and protect our county.”
