Awendo Traders Under Siege as Criminals Pose as Customers: Calls for Increased Security Intensify

In recent weeks, traders and residents in Awendo, a bustling town in Migori County, Kenya, have been living in constant fear due to an alarming spike in robberies and attacks. Criminals posing as customers have been targeting vulnerable small business owners, especially mobile money operators and bank agents, causing a wave of anxiety in the community. This escalation in crime has highlighted the need for urgent intervention from local law enforcement agencies and has spurred discussions on how to strengthen community security.

Rising Crime Targeting Mobile Money and Bank Agents

Awendo’s economy is primarily driven by small-scale entrepreneurs, and as mobile money services expand across Kenya, the demand for agents in small towns has grown significantly. Mobile money kiosks and banking agent services are integral to Awendo’s financial infrastructure, providing accessible financial services in areas that often lack physical banking branches. However, this expansion has come at a cost as criminals increasingly view these operators as easy targets.

Livingstone Oduor, a mobile money agent operating in Awendo, recently experienced an incident that left him shaken and wary. Two men, posing as potential customers, approached him to make a phone call. However, during the interaction, they cunningly transferred funds from Oduor’s mobile money account to their own accounts. “I was too caught up in the situation to even realize what was happening. They had all my attention with their questions,” Oduor recounted, highlighting the slick methods criminals are employing.

Similarly, Leah Wangoi, a bank agent, faced a traumatizing encounter with three individuals, including a woman, who entered her shop under the pretense of making a large withdrawal. As they distracted her and assessed the amount of cash she held, they threatened her, demanding all the money or else they would harm her. “They told me to keep quiet, or it would end badly,” Wangoi said, still visibly shaken from the incident. This case underscores the sophisticated techniques criminals are adopting to manipulate and intimidate traders, exploiting trust to get what they want.

Recent Incidents Fuel Fears of a Festive Season Crime Surge

According to the Awendo Main Market Deputy Chairman, Wallace Oloo, at least four traders have been robbed in just the past week, a frequency that has sent shockwaves through the business community. He recounted an attack on a local M-PESA agent, who was assaulted by armed men who stole all her earnings. Another case involved a woman who was robbed at her residence, raising concerns that these criminals are not only targeting businesses but also private homes.

Oloo’s account paints a picture of a community on edge, fearing a potential increase in crime as the holiday season approaches. “The upcoming festive season tends to attract criminals, and we are already seeing signs of it,” he noted. The surge in crime as December draws near has become a predictable pattern, with many in the community fearing that this year may be even worse unless authorities step in promptly.

The Economic and Social Impact on the Community

The impact of these criminal activities extends beyond personal losses. Many business owners have started to consider reducing working hours, fearing for their safety. The threats also extend to residents who are now fearful of engaging in financial transactions publicly, aware of the risk it poses. The thriving trade in Awendo has also taken a hit, as locals are cautious about carrying cash or making significant withdrawals.

Moreover, the psychological toll on affected victims cannot be overlooked. Traders like Oduor and Wangoi not only face financial loss but also ongoing mental anguish and insecurity, forcing them to operate under constant fear and vigilance. For many traders, the fear of repeat incidents has dampened their enthusiasm for work, impacting productivity and their ability to serve the community effectively. This loss of morale coupled with reduced business activity poses a threat to Awendo’s local economy, which is heavily dependent on the trade sector.

Traders’ Security Measures and Limitations

In response to the situation, traders in Awendo have taken matters into their own hands by implementing a range of safety measures, though many admit these are only temporary solutions. Some agents have resorted to keeping less cash in their premises to minimize losses, while others have invested in CCTV cameras and panic buttons.

Still, these measures are costly and beyond the reach of many small-scale operators, particularly those with tight budgets. The lack of effective, affordable security measures leaves most traders vulnerable. “We’ve considered hiring security, but that is an additional cost many of us cannot afford,” one trader lamented. This sentiment resonates with many in the community, who feel that safeguarding their businesses should not be their sole responsibility and are, therefore, calling for government support.

Calls for Government Intervention

The rising insecurity in Awendo has led locals to appeal directly to the government, urging it to enhance police presence and actively combat the escalating crime wave. Traders and residents have pointed out that the town’s police force appears overwhelmed and often lacks the necessary resources to respond swiftly. Some residents have even raised concerns about the visible inadequacy of patrolling officers, which they believe is contributing to the criminals’ boldness.

One proposal from the business community has been the deployment of additional police officers and the establishment of a rapid response team specifically designated to deal with crimes affecting business operators. This dedicated unit would ideally focus on high-risk areas and operate during peak hours when most incidents occur.

“Many of us feel that the police are not as responsive as they should be. We need a dedicated team to look out for us, especially during the festive season when crime spikes,” suggested Oloo. He also mentioned the need for mobile police stations or patrol vehicles that could quickly respond to emergencies, something currently lacking in Awendo.

Community Initiatives for Security Enhancement

The recent events have also spurred a sense of community solidarity, with many residents coming together to discuss ways of collectively enhancing security. Some locals have suggested the formation of community watch groups and the possibility of collaborating with local law enforcement in patrols. These initiatives aim to create a unified front against crime, deterring criminals from operating freely within the community.

Local community organizations and churches have also organized meetings where residents can voice their concerns and brainstorm possible solutions. Such gatherings have provided an opportunity for traders to share their experiences and encourage those affected to report incidents to the police, as many still hesitate due to fear of retaliation. It is clear that while these community-led efforts are commendable, they are no substitute for the formal security measures needed to tackle the crime wave comprehensively.

The Role of Technology in Crime Prevention

In the digital age, there is a growing acknowledgment of technology’s role in crime prevention and surveillance. The use of security cameras, mobile panic alarms, and SMS alert systems are among the tools that traders are increasingly considering to bolster security.

For instance, mobile panic alarms allow agents to alert nearby traders and authorities in case of suspicious activity. A coordinated system could quickly mobilize support and help apprehend suspects before they escape. Similarly, CCTV cameras have proven to be effective deterrents. However, the cost of such technology remains prohibitive for many small-scale traders, underscoring the need for community-supported or government-subsidized security solutions.

Looking Ahead: A Safer Awendo

The situation in Awendo is a reminder of the challenges faced by small towns across Kenya, where security resources are often limited and stretched thin. The plight of traders like Oduor and Wangoi highlights a need for a comprehensive security strategy that includes government support, community involvement, and the strategic use of technology.

As the festive season approaches, the call for action in Awendo grows more urgent. The community remains hopeful that the government will heed their calls for additional police presence, patrols, and resources. In the meantime, traders continue to operate with caution, determined to keep their businesses alive despite the ever-present risks.

If Awendo’s leaders, law enforcement, and community members can come together to implement preventive measures, the town could very well emerge stronger, transforming these trying times into an opportunity to build a safer and more resilient community.