The National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security has identified the closure of Kibuye Market on April 25, 2025, as a major factor contributing to the rising insecurity in Kisumu County.
This conclusion came after meetings with local security officials during a fact-finding mission to Kisumu on Saturday, April 26, 2025, where they informed the parliamentary security committee that the market’s closure has displaced thousands of traders, forcing many to sell their goods on the streets of the city which has exacerbated the security situation.
“The County Commissioner of Kisumu, Mr. Benson Leparmorijo, informed the Members that the closure of Kibuye Market has also contributed significantly to insecurity in the region. He clarified that the management of the market falls under the County Government of Kisumu,” the statement reads.
The committee learned that over 5,000 traders operated in the market, which has been closed due to concerns regarding cleanliness and safety standards.
Kisumu West MP Rozah Buyu cited political interference as a factor prolonging the market’s closure, stressing that political leaders need to unite and resolve the issues that are fueling insecurity in the region.
“It is for us leaders to talk and agree to maintain peace. The violence noted is fueled by political leaders, especially during funerals and rallies. The gangs are operating in broad daylight, and it is an issue we urgently need to address,” she stated.
Her concerns were echoed by Nyakach MP Owuor Aduma, who highlighted the growing presence of criminal gangs in Kisumu and his constituency, calling for urgent measures to tackle the rising insecurity.
“Owuor Aduma echoed similar concerns, lamenting the rise of criminal gangs not only in Kisumu but also in his area. He emphasised that the growing insecurity must be tackled decisively,” the statement stated.
County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, on the other hand, confirmed that he had engaged with both the Kisumu Governor and the City Manager about the market’s closure.
“I have held engagements with the Governor of Kisumu regarding this issue. I have also talked to the City Manager, who said that the place is not clean enough to be in operation,” Leparmorijo told the committee.
Other security challenges
Regional Police Commander Gisiri Nyamohanga provided the committee with additional insights into the region’s security challenges, including illegal mining activities, assault cases, murders, and incidents of mine collapses that have resulted in fatalities.
The committee also discussed the critical shortage of police officers and the inadequate housing for law enforcement officers in Kisumu County.
Deputy County Commissioner Wilberforce stressed the importance of providing police officers with adequate housing to ensure a timely response to emergencies.
“We want the police to live in police houses so that they can promptly respond during distress calls,” he said, noting that flooding in areas like Ahero and Muhoroni has forced officers to seek alternative accommodation in rented houses.
Addressing these concerns, committee chair and Lari MP Mburu Kahangara acknowledged that budgetary constraints have hindered police recruitment for the past three years, but assured that plans are underway to recruit 10,000 officers in the next financial year.
“The issue of Ahero and Muhoroni will be escalated. The Inspector General is also particularly passionate about the issue of training. The Committee will deliberate on it,” Kahangara stated.