Residents of Shauri Yako and neighbouring informal settlements in Homa Bay Town are living in fear following a surge in violent attacks linked to the notorious "Rock Boys" gang, a group of teenage suspects accused of carrying out muggings, assaults and housebreakings.
According to local authorities, the gang is largely made up of school dropouts aged between 15 and 19 years who operate mainly at night, targeting pedestrians in poorly lit alleys before breaking into homes to steal household property.
Security officials say the gang's activities have been fuelled by inadequate street lighting in parts of the settlement, creating ideal conditions for ambushes, particularly after 11 p.m.
Police have also alleged that some gang members associate with local politicians during the day, claiming they receive financial support and protection that emboldens their criminal activities. However, no specific politician has been publicly identified or charged in connection with the allegations.
The latest security operation followed a violent incident in which a resident was reportedly attacked with a machete after intervening to protect a woman during a robbery.
The attack triggered a coordinated crackdown involving police officers and members of the community, resulting in the arrest of at least 40 juvenile suspects from various hideouts across Homa Bay Town.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said some of those arrested are already facing other criminal cases, including robbery with violence.
Meanwhile, the Homa Bay Law Courts ordered six key suspects—Calvince Otieno, Ian Shelton, Tony Blaire, Geofrey Ouko Juma, Anorld Otieno and John Smith—to remain in custody for 14 days pending plea-taking.