Panga-wielding attackers raided two homes in Busia District on Thursday night, targeting an opposition parliamentary candidate and a school head teacher in what residents say is the latest wave of violent robberies in Dabani Sub-county.
The assailants first struck the home of Kennedy Wanyama, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party parliamentary candidate for Busia Municipality, at Buwuma A village shortly after midnight.
Wanyama said the criminals used axes and pangas to cut through his doors after disabling security systems.
Panga-wielding attackers raided two homes in Busia District on Thursday night, targeting an opposition parliamentary candidate and a school head teacher in what residents say is the latest wave of violent robberies in Dabani Sub-county.
The assailants first struck the home of Kennedy Wanyama, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party parliamentary candidate for Busia Municipality, at Buwuma A village shortly after midnight.
Wanyama said the criminals used axes and pangas to cut through his doors after disabling security systems.
Tony Ajute, the police dog handler, told residents gathered outside the home that ‘the dog has tracked the scent of the suspects from the home of one of the victims up to here’.
However, Okumu was not home at the time. His father, Raphael Barasa, dismissed any suggestion of his son’s involvement.
‘My son has no criminal records, he simply earns his living through brick making, for the police dog to track for the suspects up to his door surprises me,’ Barasa said.
Local chairperson Yesse Opio also defended Okumu but said it was the second time this month that panga-wielding criminals had attacked the village.
As investigations continue, residents say insecurity is worsening.
Iddi Muhmad Kibaki warned the community to remain alert.
‘Since the festive season is fast-approaching, we advise our people to be extra careful because we are most likely to surge,’ Kibaki said.