Tension remains high in Nyatike Sub-County after violent confrontations between residents and security officers at Macalder Police Station left two civilians dead and several police officers seriously injured, following protests over the killing of a local businessman.
The unrest was sparked by the fatal shooting of businessman Peter Onyango Midiala on Thursday night at Osiri Junction, where he was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants who also stole property of unknown value. The incident triggered widespread outrage among residents who have in recent weeks complained of a surge in violent crime targeting traders, including armed robberies and gun attacks.
According to reports, angry residents staged protests on Friday that quickly escalated into violence. Demonstrators stormed Macalder Police Station, vandalized property, torched a police vehicle, and burned down six houses belonging to police officers, leaving their families homeless. The crowd also destroyed the Deputy County Commissioner’s office within the station compound.
During the confrontation, police officers opened fire in an attempt to disperse the crowd, resulting in the death of two civilians, an incident that further intensified tensions across the mining town.
Authorities confirmed that more than 10 police officers were injured during the clashes, including senior officers.
The Migori County Police Commander was reportedly airlifted to Nairobi for specialised medical treatment after sustaining serious injuries.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Florence Mworoa, who visited the scene shortly after the violence, strongly condemned the incident and urged residents to maintain calm as investigations begin.
“We condemn the violent attack on Macalder Police Station and the destruction of government property. Investigations have already been launched into the killing of the businessman as well as the violence that followed. Those found responsible will face the full force of the law,” Mworoa said.
She further called on members of the public who may be in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to authorities before a planned security crackdown to recover such weapons in the area.
Leaders Call for Calm and Justice
Migori County Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, who visited Macalder alongside Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege, described the situation as tragic and called for urgent measures to restore calm.
“The killing of Peter Onyango Midiala has deeply shaken the community. Residents are living in fear due to the recent rise in robberies and gun attacks targeting traders. While the outrage is understandable, violence cannot be the solution,” she said.
Mohammed emphasised the need to rebuild public confidence in the security apparatus, proposing the immediate transfer of officers currently stationed in the area to allow for a fresh security deployment.
She also urged security agencies to undertake a comprehensive vetting and frisking exercise within the Osiri–Macalder locality to help identify criminal elements suspected of hiding among residents.
“The safety of our people and protection of their livelihoods must remain paramount. We must work together with security agencies to restore peace and stability,” she added.
Nyatike MP Tom Odege also condemned the violent attack on the police station while calling for calm among the youth.
“Justice for Peter Onyango must be pursued through the proper legal channels. While the right to protest is constitutional, the burning of police vehicles, destruction of government offices and the torching of officers’ houses is unacceptable,” Odege said.
He confirmed that about 20 police officers sustained serious injuries, including the county police commander, and appealed to residents to avoid further destruction.
“No grievance justifies such violence. Let us seek justice through peace, not through further bloodshed,” he added.
The legislator further called upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to fast-track investigations not only into the killing of Peter Onyango but also other recent violent incidents in the area, including the shooting of several residents in previous weeks.
Growing Security Concerns
Local leaders, including Macalder/Kanyarwanda Ward MCA Felix Okwanyo and Nyatike parliamentary aspirant Mr Robley Ngoje, also expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the mining region, urging authorities to dismantle criminal networks believed to be behind the attacks on traders.
Macalder, a busy gold-mining and trading centre in Nyatike, has in recent months experienced an increase in violent crime, with traders and transport operators raising alarm over armed gangs targeting businesses and travellers along the Osiri–Macalder corridor.
Residents have repeatedly called on the national government to enhance security operations and crack down on illegal firearms circulating within the area.
Appeal for Calm
Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as security agencies intensify operations to restore order.
Leaders warned that continued violence could worsen the situation and delay justice for victims of the recent crimes.
“The safety and security of our people remain non-negotiable,” said Fatuma Mohammed.
Security agencies have since deployed additional officers to the area as investigations into both the killing of the businessman and the subsequent violent attack on the police station continue.
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