Governor Otuoma vows ruthless crackdown on criminal gangs in Busia
By Faith Lagat, July 1, 2026Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has vowed to intensify the fight against criminal gangs operating in the county, saying hooliganism, extortion and violence will no longer be tolerated.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Otuoma said the county government would continue working with national security agencies to restore order while ensuring law enforcement operations protect innocent civilians.
His remarks followed a security operation in Marachi Estate that resulted in the death of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Busia Campus student Laura Wesonga.
“While criminality must be confronted firmly and decisively, law enforcement operations must always be conducted within the law and with the highest regard for the safety of innocent members of the public,” Otuoma said.
He said organised criminal groups had continued to undermine security, disrupt businesses and create fear among residents, adding that Busia deserved the same level of security enforcement as other parts of the country.
Governor targets criminal gangs
Otuoma singled out a group commonly known as “Jobless”, “Marachi Boys” or “Marachi Republican Council”, saying it had been linked to intimidation, extortion, violent attacks, destruction of property and disruption of legitimate business activities for nearly two decades.
“Business owners and residents have repeatedly complained of being forced to pay illegal protection fees, while others have reported robberies, vandalism and assaults,” he said.
According to the governor, the activities of the group have contributed to loss of lives, reduced investment and widespread fear among residents.
He noted that efforts to dismantle the group began before his administration took office. The organisation was declared unlawful by the government in 2016, followed by enforcement operations under former Interior Cabinet Secretaries Joseph Ole Nkaissery and Fred Matiang’i.
Despite those interventions, Otuoma said individuals linked to the group have continued engaging in extortion, intimidation, illicit business activities and confrontations with law enforcement officers.
He added that when his administration assumed office, it initially pursued dialogue and rehabilitation by engaging some of the group’s leaders and supporting income-generating activities, including providing a 14-seater matatu and car wash machines.
“Regrettably, despite these efforts, criminal activities have continued, with some individuals allegedly exploiting political narratives to shield unlawful conduct,” he said.
Calls for stronger security measures
The governor cited attacks on county revenue officers, destruction of county property, disruption of revenue collection and intimidation of residents among incidents reported this year.
“We are deeply concerned that, despite repeated complaints from residents, businesses and leaders, enforcement action has not sufficiently dismantled this criminal network,” he said.
Otuoma called on the national government to fast-track the establishment of a police post in Marachi Estate to strengthen surveillance and improve security in the area.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through education, skills development and employment opportunities as part of efforts to address the underlying causes of crime.
Investigation into Laura Wesonga’s death
The statement comes after Laura Wesonga died during a police operation in Marachi Estate on Monday, June 29.
Otuoma extended his condolences to her family and said the incident underscored the need for law enforcement agencies to conduct security operations within the law while protecting innocent members of the public.
He said Marachi Estate is home to many law-abiding residents and urged that criminal activities by a few individuals should not define the entire community.
The governor reiterated that his administration would continue working closely with the National Government and security agencies to protect lives, safeguard businesses and restore public confidence in security across Busia County.
“I want to assure residents that his administration will continue working closely with the National Government and security agencies to protect lives, safeguard businesses and restore public confidence in security across Busia County,” he said.