Security agencies in Muhoroni Sub County have issued a stern warning to criminal gangs operating in the area, directing them to immediately stop terrorising residents or face tough legal action.
Nyang’oma Sub-Location Chief Joseph Otieno said the government will no longer tolerate criminal activities that threaten peace and security in the region. He noted that local authorities are fully prepared to deal decisively with gangs behind violence and lawlessness in the area.
Otieno singled out one of the gangs identified as “Katalang”, a Luo name loosely translated to mean “black ants”. According to the administrator, the group is made up of young ex-convicts and repeat offenders who have been linked to several criminal incidents in Muhoroni and surrounding areas.
He explained that the gang initially emerged during funeral gatherings and vigils commonly referred to as “disco matanga”, where members allegedly engaged in looting, causing chaos and terrorising mourners.
The chief further disclosed that the same gang was responsible for the animosity and conflict between residents of Kabar and Wang’aya villages, an incident that resulted in the death of one person.
Otieno warned that such criminal activities will no longer be tolerated by the local security apparatus, adding that security officers have already intensified surveillance and operations targeting gang members.
“There is a criminal gang christened Katalang or ‘black ants’ and we have already arrested some of its key members and arraigned them in court. They are now under police surveillance,” said Otieno.
He added that local administrators and security personnel have significantly weakened the gang’s operations, which had become increasingly violent under the cover of funeral gatherings.
The administrator also accused gang members of waylaying and sexually assaulting women returning home late from markets and social events, saying authorities remain committed to restoring security and protecting residents from criminal elements.
By Milton Onyango
