In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Kisumu, a vibrant lakeside city, has taken proactive steps to bolster security. This includes forming a diverse committee tasked with ensuring safety during this festive period. As Kisumu City Manager, Abala Wanga, shared, this task force is an amalgamation of the National Police Service, local government authorities, and various community groups. They’ve set in motion stringent strategies to tackle crime head-on.
The city has recently faced a surge in incidents where gangs, using makeshift weapons, have ambushed residents. However, Wanga assures that the tide is turning. Their concerted efforts are starting to show positive results, with the arrest of numerous suspects and some even confronting police actions. Wanga expressed confidence in their ongoing operations to nab the main culprits.
City neighborhoods have been particularly targeted by these criminal activities, prompting an uptick in security patrols. During this season of celebration, protecting residents is a primary focus. To this end, additional barriers have been installed in vulnerable areas, further complemented by intensified patrol efforts aimed at maintaining peace throughout December.
Kisumu is gearing up for an exciting line-up of performances including Congolese Rhumba sensation Koffi Olomide and his contemporaries, like Zako Langa Langa’s Nyoka Longo and local star Prince Indah. Such events naturally draw a crowd, amplifying the need for stringent security measures. The Guardian Council, if you will, is working tirelessly to foster a secure environment for these festivities.
Olomide is set to headline the Mzuqa Festival on December 14th, gracing the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo. This event is expected to attract a mix of local and international visitors, all of whom can count on robust security protocols to safeguard their visit.
The city authorities have rolled out a detailed plan to ensure the safety of all attendees, with hopes that even the smallest incidents, like phone theft, will be averted. “We’re determined to ensure a seamless event,” Wanga stated emphatically.
As part of the security measures, vehicles seeking entry into the venue will undergo meticulous inspections to thwart any potential threats. The stadium precincts now boast provision for 2,000 parked vehicles. Visitors traveling by motorbike taxis or other means will be required to disembark at the nearby Mamboleo market, proceeding to the venue on foot after passing security checks.
Wanga reassured everyone, “We’ve developed comprehensive safety measures to guarantee an enjoyable and secure event. Tickets are selling fast, so I urge those interested to secure their spot before it’s too late,” highlighting both the readiness of their security and the anticipated demand for festival attendance.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
