Tension gripped Macalder in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County, on Friday, March 13, 2026, after a protest over rising crime turned violent.

Demonstrators stormed Macalder Police Station, attacked officers, torched houses linked to police officers and vandalised several vehicles. At least two people died from gunshot wounds, according to locals who claim police opened fire during the chaos.

The unrest began as a peaceful protest. Residents had gathered to demand action against armed robbers who they say have been terrorising the area for months. Anger grew after a robbery on March 12, 2026, in which a money agent was shot dead by criminals.

Locals say the killing was the latest in a series of attacks targeting small businesses in the area. Some residents claim at least three business owners have recently been attacked and shot by criminals, with little response from authorities.

Demonstrators marched through Macalder town before heading to the police station to present their grievances. Witnesses said the situation escalated when protesters forced their way into the compound. The crowd also moved to the offices of the Nyatike Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), where property was damaged.

Police say the mob overwhelmed officers at the station. Several houses believed to belong to police officers were set on fire as the violence spread. Police vehicles were also vandalised during the unrest.

Locals say two young men were killed during the confrontation, a claim that has fuelled anger across the area amid rising insecurity.

The deaths have intensified frustration among residents who say insecurity has become a serious problem in Nyatike. Many claim criminals often escape into nearby forests after committing robberies, raising questions about the presence of security personnel in those areas.

Leaders demand action on crime

Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed criticised the situation during the unrest. She expressed anger over the loss of young lives and questioned the government’s response to insecurity in the region.

“We are angered because in 24 hours we have lost three people. Young people below 25 years, and we have a government in place,” she said.

“This is not Haiti. This is a working government, this is a democratic government. We are not going to allow that. Before we leave tonight these policemen in this station must leave.”

She also questioned the deployment of security officers in nearby forests.

“This forest kuna watu wameletwa kulinda forest… tunataka kujua wanalinda nini ndani forest. Because majambazi hawatakua wananingia ndani ya forest. How comes hawakutani na hao wenye wanachunga forest?” she asked.

Residents who lost property during recent attacks also spoke out. Rehema Achieng, a trader in Macalder, said criminals had earlier robbed her shop and left her struggling to recover.

“Mi mwanzo ndio walikuwa wameiba vitu zangu za duka, mpaka saa hizi sina duka,” she said.

“Punde si punde mtoto pia ambaye anatafuta vitu zake, ambaye imsaidie kwa maisha pia walimshoot jana. Tulikuwa tunataka kwenda kwa polisi, tujue ni nini inatendeka.”

She accused police of turning their weapons on civilians instead of protecting them.

“Hawa mapolisi ni wananchi, sasa wameanza kushoot watu. Mpaka wameua ule mtoto ambaye alikuja tu kutafuta pesa ambaye anataka kuregister aende university,” she added.

The violence left Macalder on edge, with police reinforcing the station as tensions remained high among residents.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo addressed the incident and warned those involved in the attacks.

“Yesterday we had a very unfortunate event in Migori County,” he said.

“The instructions are very clear. Anyone involved in any criminality must face the full force of the law. Whether you are an elected leader or an aspiring leader or a businessman, we will not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands.”