BY SHABAN OMAR
A section of Wamasa and Nyango B villagers in Kinango sub-county, Kwale County, has raised concerns over the rising cases of insecurity in their area.
The residents claim that unknown individuals frequently visit their villages, set up temporary camps, and are suspected of engaging in criminal activities.
According to Peter Kisenga, a long-time resident, livestock theft has become rampant, with goats and cows disappearing regularly.
He lamented that the community has suffered big losses, and the trend is worsening.
Kisenga strongly believes that the mysterious visitors are behind the crimes, as their presence often coincides with increased theft cases.
“We have people coming here and staying for a few days, yet no one knows their origin or purpose. These people eat, sleep, and party throughout without engaging in any work. Where do they get their money?” he questioned.
Kisenga added that the community is deeply troubled by the presence of strangers whose motive for visiting remains unknown.
He expressed fears that their prolonged stay and suspicious activities could pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the villagers.
“Their movements and actions are questionable. They come, stay for a while, and then disappear without a trace. We don’t know what they are planning or why they keep returning,” he said.
Kisenga said the residents worry that if the issue is not addressed promptly, the insecurity could escalate, putting their lives and property at even greater risk.
The old man said apart from livestock theft, the residents also live in fear due to a gang of armed youth who roam the villages at night, terrorizing locals.
Kisenga said that some of the young men carry bows and arrows, making night movements unsafe for the villagers.
He said that many people now retire early to their homes to avoid falling victim to attacks.
Kisenga said efforts by the community to seek intervention from authorities have, however, yielded no results.
He lamented that their reports to local law enforcement officers have been ignored, leaving them feeling abandoned and helpless.
“Each time we go to report, we are turned away without any action being taken. It’s like our cries for help are falling on deaf ears,” he said.
Another resident, Wavinya Musili, revealed that the area is often used as a route for human trafficking, particularly for Ethiopians.
She claimed that with the help of certain community members, the migrants arrive early in the morning and are hidden in the bushes until they are given the green light to proceed.
Musili further alleged that the traffickers rely on local informants who gather intelligence from popular muguka and mnazi drinking joints.
She said the spies monitor police movements and leak information to ensure smooth operations for the illegal activity.
She expressed concern that the vice has greatly compromised the area’s security, warning that the presence of undocumented foreigners poses a serious threat.
“These people can harm locals and disappear without a trace. We don’t know their real intentions, and that makes us feel unsafe,” she said.
Musili added that residents are now living in fear, as many are afraid to go to their farms due to the presence of the hidden Ethiopians.
She said that the migrants take cover in the bushes, and in several instances, locals who unknowingly come into contact with them are chased away.
The woman said the situation has caused huge distress among villagers, as farming is their primary source of livelihood.
Musili warned that if the issue is not addressed, food security in the area could be affected, further worsening the challenges faced by the community.
Another resident Rehema Jeremiah said the visitors also wreak havoc on people lands.
Jeremiah said the strangers often look for land whose owners have travelled for a long time and cut down trees for illegal logging and charcoal burning.
She now pleads with authorities to intervene urgently and restore order.
Jeremiah said there is a need to establish a police post in the area and increase security patrols and crackdown on those facilitating illegal activities.
She said that at the moment accessing security services is hard since they have to travel for long distance to reach a nearby police station.
