Shauri Yako Estate in Homa Bay Town, which by day appears to be a bustling residential and business neighbourhood, has become a hotspot for crime at night as a gang of teenage youths terrorises residents.
During the day, women line the streets selling mandazi, chapati, and samosas while boda boda riders ferry students, workers, and shoppers around the town.
However, once darkness falls, the atmosphere changes dramatically.
Residents say a gang known as the Rock Boys emerges from hiding to rob, assault, and intimidate people returning home from work or business.
The gang is made up of youths aged between 16 and 19 years. According to police, some members dropped out of school, others have criminal records, while several are already facing court cases.
Last week, a woman returning from the market was attacked by suspected gang members before a Good Samaritan intervened to rescue her.
The attackers later turned on the rescuer, hacking him with a machete and leaving him with severe facial injuries and several missing teeth.
Doctors said he will require specialised reconstructive surgery.
The brutal attack angered residents, who mobilised to hunt down the suspects.
Police later launched a security operation that resulted in the arrest of 40 youths suspected of belonging to the Rock Boys gang.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said some of those arrested are already facing robbery with violence charges and will be arraigned in court.
County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi expressed concern over the growing number of young people spending their time in gyms lifting weights instead of attending school before eventually joining criminal gangs.
Child development experts have attributed the rise in youth gangs to inadequate parental supervision.
Psychologist Gloria Achieng said many parents spend long hours searching for a livelihood, leaving their children vulnerable to peer pressure and negative influences.
She added that while some youths turn to crime out of envy for other people’s wealth and lifestyles, others are driven into gangs by family conflicts and a lack of love and support at home.
Arujo Chief Bob Lang’o said some Rock Boys members had previously disrupted school activities and sporting events before graduating into more serious criminal activities.
He further alleged that some gang members receive protection from politicians who use them as security during political rallies and pay them for their services.
The lack of street lighting has worsened the security situation.
Residents say that by around 11 p.m., large sections of Shauri Yako become too dangerous to walk through. Criminals have also begun breaking into homes and stealing residents’ property.
As a result, many businesses now close much earlier than usual, while boda boda operators charge higher fares at night to compensate for the security risks they face.
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