Residents of Bumala town in Busia County are urgently calling for the removal of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Bumala Police Station, accusing him of failing in his duty amidst rising insecurity that has left the community fearful and disillusioned with the police force.
These demands have intensified after a tragic robbery on the night of Saturday, April 5, 2025, in which armed criminals targeted Aljezira, a well-known wholesale shop near Wema Bar and Resort. During the incident, a young man named Samuel was fatally shot while passing by the scene.
Witnesses say that although the police station is located just 300 metres away, officers did not respond to repeated calls for help. Some residents even claim to have contacted the OCS directly, but allege that he ignored their pleas and failed to take immediate action.
Shockingly, it took nearly five hours for any officers to arrive at the crime scene, according to local accounts.
That same night, further chaos unfolded when plainclothes officers reportedly arrested youths at Sunton petrol station and allegedly shot another individual near a popular youth hangout bar, sparking outrage and raising concerns over excessive force and unlawful arrests.
Residents say these incidents reflect a broader pattern of deteriorating security in Bumala, where violent crimes—including gun attacks and machete assaults—are becoming increasingly common.
Online community forums are filled with reports of robberies, nighttime ambushes, and assaults. Areas such as Masebula, Kwa Tangi, and Chuma Mbili have been singled out as particularly dangerous, often referred to by locals as “thieves’ roadblocks”—places many avoid once night falls.
The situation has left many questioning whether law enforcement is protecting the community or contributing to the fear.
