The youths have become so daring that the Chinese group last week attempted to break into a Kisumu police station to free one of their own who had been arrested. The groups are said to be affiliated to the major political parties.
Kisumu residents fear the town is slowly turning into a “mob city” following the emergence of two rival gangs that have been terrorising them.
For the past few weeks, the two groups known as ‘America’ and ‘China’ have been engaging in violent clashes in which several people have been injured and property destroyed.
Seven people have so far been arrested over the violence. Residents accuse police of failing to stop the groups.
The gangs are reportedly running extortion-rackets on businesses and matatus, and suppressing divergent political views.
The youths have become so daring that the Chinese group last week attempted to break into a Kisumu police station to free one of their own who had been arrested. The groups are said to be affiliated to the major political parties.
Nyanza police boss Joseph Ole Tito last Thursday warned politicians intending to use the gangs in their campaigns that they would be prosecuted.
He revealed a plot by some politicians to use the gangs to intimidate their opponents as they hunt for votes. “Let them be ready to face prosecution because we will not sit and let Kisumu turn into a battle ground,” he warned.
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