Kisumu: Kisumu County Commissioner, Benson Leparmorijo, has expressed the government's commitment to stamp out criminal gangs in the area, warning that the attempts by criminals to regroup again shall not be tolerated. Leparmorijo revealed that attempts by the criminal gangs that previously had been dismantled by the security agencies to reassemble will not succeed because their regrouping causes disturbance to economic activities as well as peace and security.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu, the county administrator said some of the criminals were already facing various charges and are currently out on bail. He warned that police officers are on high alert and ready to take firm action against the gangs. 'This time, we are going to take stern action, including transferring suspects far away from Kisumu because they think being arrested and taken to Kodiaga Prison is business as usual,' he said.
The County Commissioner commended the strong collaboration between the public and security officers, noting that it has played a significant role in enhancing safety across the county. 'Most of the criminals who were terrorizing residents have been apprehended, and security operations will continue to ensure Kisumu remains safe,' he affirmed.
On matters of healthcare, Leparmorijo cautioned private health facilities against demanding out-of-pocket payments from patients by falsely claiming that the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme is non-functional. 'SHA is working, and we will not tolerate any attempts to sabotage government programmes. This is a scheme to discredit ongoing reforms, and we are not going to allow it,' he said.
He reiterated the government's commitment to delivering on its development agenda, citing the recent leasing of sugar factories as a key milestone. Although the initiative has faced resistance from a section of leaders and farmers, Leparmorijo maintained that the move was aimed at reviving struggling public sugar millers. 'The claims that public land where the factories sit has been sold are false. No public land has been sold. The factories have been leased to enhance efficiency for the benefit of our farmers,' he emphasized, cautioning leaders against inciting the public with misinformation.