Busia: Deputy Governor Arthur Odera has raised alarm over increasing crime in Teso and called on police officers to heighten vigilance and take decisive action. Speaking at Roiko in Malaba Sub County during a burial ceremony, Odera said criminals have taken advantage of laxity in security patrols to attack, injure, and even kill residents including security guards.

According to Kenya News Agency, Odera highlighted that residents are now living in fear following a spate of killings. In the last two months, some security guards were killed and others injured after being attacked at night while on duty by thugs armed with crude weapons. 'We must make sure our people are safe, and we ask the police that once someone is arrested, they should be taken to court and charged so that we can stay safe,' the Deputy Governor noted.

Residents of Amukura in Teso Central also held a peaceful demonstration last month condemning the attacks and calling on police and leaders to act swiftly. Meanwhile, former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has asked the Teso community to rally behind the broad-based government under President William Ruto. Ojaamong, who was speaking during the same burial, said the region has witnessed notable development since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalized the broad-based government arrangement.

He warned against attempts by leaders to side with the opposition, saying the region had remained underdeveloped for long due to opposition politics. Ojaamong urged the current administration to deliver more development to have a stronger scorecard to present to the electorate as they seek re-election.