M-Pesa agents’ fury over Kisumu killings

M -Pesa agents Monday took to the streets to protest the killing of their colleagues by an unknown gang in Kisumu.

The mobile phone money transfer agents said the rising cases of criminals on motorbikes stealing money from their shops is alarming.

The traders accused security officers of negligence. The protest was sparked by a raid at the Kibuye open air market. The gang shot two agents before making away with an unknown amount of money.

M-Pesa agent Bella Oduor, 22, died on the spot while another man only identified as Sylvester, an Equity Bank agent, died on the way to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital.

A resident, John Awiti, said that such cases are common yet police do little to combat crime.

“It is hardly two weeks since a similar incident happened.

“Police are slow to act. They have never arrested any suspects,” he said.

According to Immaculate Awuor, a relative of Ms Oduor, they heard gun shots and screams.

“When we were able to venture out, we first spotted Sylvester lying in a pool of blood. Then I saw my cousin Bella’s lifeless body, a few feet away from the shop verandah,” Ms Awuor said.

The agents gathered near the scene, which had blood splattered all over. They then blocked the Kisumu-Kakamega road, bringing business to a standstill.

“Police should call a meeting at the market for us to discuss ways of reducing insecurity, especially in Kibuye,” Mike Owino, who led the protestors, said.

However, Kisumu police boss Musa Kongoli told the Press detectives are following leads from informers to track down the culprits.

“The gang of two managed to escape on a motorbike after the fatal shooting,” Mr Kongoli said.