Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi has declared an all-out war against goonism, drug abuse, and land-related crimes, pledging to restore order and enhance security across the county.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Ndhiwa Sub-county, Mwiwawi said he will not tolerate criminal activities that threaten peace, business, and development in the region.
“As the security team, we will not allow, entertain, or permit goonism. The team in Homa Bay is strong enough to ensure we maintain law and order and provide every resident with a safe environment to live and conduct business in,” he said.
The commissioner also issued a stern warning against political leaders accused of recruiting and financing youths to engage in violence and intimidation.
“Political leaders should have followers, not groups of youths who threaten lives through violence. We will not tolerate youths walking around carrying pangas and causing chaos in Homa Bay,” he said, adding that individuals arrested for criminal activities would face the full force of the law without special treatment.
Mwiwawi identified drug abuse and illicit alcohol as major contributors to insecurity and violence in the county.
He condemned leaders who allegedly provide drugs to young people before using them to perpetrate violence.
Mwiwawi also expressed concern over rising cases of drug abuse among students and advised learners to shun drugs and focus on education for a better future.
He emphasized the need for parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the wider community to work together in addressing moral decay and substance abuse among young people.
He pledged to work closely with both the national and county governments to ensure ongoing development projects are completed and operationalized to benefit residents.
“There are many projects in Homa Bay today, but we do not want to simply see them as projects. We want to see them completed and benefiting citizens,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to effective service delivery, describing access to government services as a citizen’s right rather than a privilege. “You do not beg to be served by government officers. We are here to serve you. If you are not served well, let us know,” he said.
The CC identified Ndhiwa as one of the county’s hotspots for land disputes, noting that conflicts over land have contributed to violence, land grabbing, and even murders.
To address the problem, he directed Deputy County Commissioners across the region to organize public land clinics before June 30 to educate residents on land matters and facilitate engagement with land officers.
“We want to eradicate land cartels that have been harassing residents. Citizens must be protected from brokers and fraudsters operating within land offices,” he said.
Mwiwawi also announced plans to ensure every public school in Homa Bay acquires a title deed to protect institutional land from grabbing.
Other leaders who attended the celebrations called for a complete ban on disco matangas, citing their alleged role in promoting social vices.
Homa Bay County Police Commander, Lawrence Koilem, described disco matangas as breeding grounds for drug abuse, illicit brewing, teenage pregnancies, and other criminal activities.
“Disco matangas are the cause of many problems in our communities. Parents should not allow their children to attend such events,” Koilem said.
He also urged young people to reject goonism and resist being manipulated by politicians for violent activities.
The Commander called for greater community involvement in maintaining security and preventing crime, emphasizing that sustainable peace and development require collective responsibility from all residents.
By Sitna Omar
