Violence puts Kisii on edge as pressure mounts on Arati to rein in ‘Green Army’

Traders in Kisii town's Getembe area are living in fear after suspected assailants allegedly raided their businesses late Friday night, assaulting vendors and stealing cash and valuables. The group attacked vendors as they prepared to close up shop around 9 p.m., beating some before fleeing with unknown amounts of money. A butcher reported losing Sh3,000 and a kilogram of meat, while a vegetable vendor shared that she lost Sh2,000 from her day's sales. Witnesses described the attackers as indiscriminate, beating and stealing from multiple people.

The incident has heightened anxiety among traders, who feel increasingly unsafe conducting business in parts of Kisii. Some traders accused the attackers of being members of the controversial "Green Army," alleging that the group intimidates residents and traders. John Omari and Tom Ombuna both expressed concern over the violence, urging authorities to protect them and prevent intimidation.

This latest incident follows a pattern of political tensions and alleged violence in Kisii, with opposition leaders and residents raising concerns over attacks targeting political opponents and ordinary citizens. Presidential hopeful Fred Matiang'i and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka condemned the violence, urging Governor Simba Arati to take responsibility for the security situation and ensure residents are protected. Onyonka also denounced political violence, stating that it is unacceptable among the Omogusii people.

The attackers' affiliation with the Green Army could not be independently verified, and it remains unclear whether they belong to any organized group. Traders have called on the police to investigate the incident, arrest the perpetrators, and increase security patrols in markets and busy areas of Kisii town. They emphasized that political differences should not threaten their livelihoods or endanger innocent lives.