Police in Lamu County have issued a strong warning to criminal gangs that are targeting and killing Nyumba Kumi officials in the region. This follows the recent brutal murder of Fredrick Ngugi, a Nyumba Kumi official in Malamande village, Hindi, Lamu West.
Ngugi was fatally shot in the head during a nighttime invasion of his home by unknown assailants. His property was vandalized, and his house was set on fire.
Acting Lamu County Commissioner Charles Kitheka, speaking on Tuesday, emphasized that the government is determined to apprehend Ngugi’s killers and ensure they face justice. He condemned the ongoing attacks on Nyumba Kumi officials in the county and warned that those responsible, once apprehended, will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions.
“It’s so sad that we have lost Ngugi. Our police are already on the investigation. We must fish them out and ensure they are brought to book,” Kitheka said.
The incident caused widespread fear and tension in the village and beyond, with locals wondering who could be behind the killing.
Residents have appealed for increased night patrols by police in their areas.
“If unknown people can walk into somebody’s home, shoot him in the head and vanish without a trace, what about the rest of us? Where are the police? We want them out here and also let them increase patrols, especially at night, “Joseph Ngugi of Hindi Town said.
In a previous incident in Lamu, another Nyumba Kumi official, 30-year-old Amina Bakari, was attacked in April 2019. As she closed her shop around 11 pm in Mbwajumwali village, Lamu East, a gang accosted her and fatally slashed her head.
