Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered the transfer of all police officers stationed in Isebania regardless of the positions.
The CS made the announcement during a security meeting with Nyanza region security and intelligence teams following security concerns in the area.
The affected officers include those attached to Immigration and other government agencies namely the Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Revenue Authority and Anti-Counterfeit Authority within Isebania town.
He however warned that the government will not tolerate incompetent officers.
“ The government will lay off incompetent police officers, we shall not transfer problems to other regions ” he stated.
The CS Wednesday morning visited Isebania town, Migori County to address security concerns following last week’s attack on the local police station by mobs armed with crude weapons.
Five civilians were shot dead as police officers from the station attempted to restore peace through a public order management operation. A police officer was among those injured.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is probing the incident, pledging to take appropriate action including recommending to the Director of Public Prosecutions the prosecution of any person found culpable.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority on Thursday evening learnt of a shooting incident at Isebania Police Station in Kuria West Sub-County during which six people were reportedly fatally wounded and others injured during the evening of Thursday, May 25, 2023. Among the injured include police officers,” said IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori.
“Our Regional office in Kisumu on its own motion dispatched a Rapid Response Team to launch investigations into the deaths and injuries,” read the statement.
Tension has been high since the incident with residents taking to the streets to demonstrate against alleged deteriorating security.
10 days ago, transport along the Isebania- Sirare road was brought to a standstill as locals engaged officers in running battles.
The irate locals claim the spate of insecurity in the region has left scores dead. This is after three businessmen were gunned down by unknown assailants.
CS Kindiki is later expected to address a public baraza at Isebania Town.
DEVELOPING
Additional reporting by Carolyn Necheza
