Written by Frankline Bwire 2012-05-29 19:11:00 Read 819 Times

Irate women on the busy street of Busia as they headed to the district commissioner to present their grievances. Photos | Frankline Bwire.

Business along the busy highway of Busia town was stalled for hours when women carrying twigs jammed the streets demonstrating over the increased cases of rape and criminal incidences.

Efforts by the junior security officers in the area to address the women were fruitless when they demanded to be addressed by the District Commissioner over the issue.

The irate women said the escalating cases of rape at Bulanda and Mauko estate in Busia Municipality were quite shocking despite having a patrol base in the area to maintain security. 

Most of the vehicles could not move after the residents barricaded the road demanding to be addressed by the DC.

They said the recent incident in which an elderly woman was raped on Tuesday at 3am by unknown number of youth armed with pangas, spears and guns was the fifth to occur in the area.

“The thugs have lists of women whom they intend to rape in various houses. They break into them late at night, tie up husbands and defile children besides raping women in them,” said an enraged resident, adding that this has left most of them sleepless at night.

Speaking to West FM, they accused the Busia police officers for laxity in their line of duties a move that has encouraged individuals involved in criminal activities to take advantage of the situation.

“We are shocked that these incidences are increasing everyday yet we have security personnel in the area that should protect us. Where do such people covered in masks get guns and combats to terrorize the locals?” asked Josephine Auma, a concerned resident.

They have petitioned the government through the ministry of Internal Security to intervene in a matter of urgency and ensure police officers in the area are transferred.

 “The police officers on duty are reluctant to respond to cries from the residents in case of any criminal attack.”

The area district commissioner Gitonga Mwiandi (right) said they have already apprehended 15 suspects alleged to be involved in the criminal activities and the rape cases in the district.

Addressing the irate residents, the DC assured them that insecurity issue will be addressed immediately to protect them from any criminal attack.

“Those with vital information about individuals involved in the rape and defilement cases should report immediately to the relevant authorities to ensure action is undertaken immediately,” said Gitonga, adding that the law will take its course against them.

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