By Wasike Elvis
Busia County Women Representative Hon. Catherine N. Omanyo has sounded the alarm over a disturbing surge in incidents involving the drugging, robbery, and even sexual assault of passengers aboard long-distance buses across the country.
In a strongly worded press briefing, Hon. Omanyo called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to immediately launch a thorough investigation into what she termed a “national crisis” that is putting the lives of Kenyan travelers at risk.
“This is a national crisis. Our daughters, sisters, and even men are being targeted and subjected to horrifying experiences,” said Hon. Omanyo. “Some are robbed of all their belongings, others left traumatized, and a few—like Adelle Akoth Omondi—are found unconscious, miles from where they boarded.”
The legislator urged the DCI to scrutinize bus companies and work closely with victims to uncover and dismantle criminal networks believed to be operating within the public transport system. She also advocated for the installation of surveillance systems in buses, improved security checks, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns to alert travelers to the dangers.
“This issue cuts across counties. It’s no longer isolated. It is time we take collective responsibility and ensure our transport systems are safe,” she emphasized.
Hon. Omanyo also appealed to the Ministry of Transport and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to review and tighten regulations governing public service vehicles. She stressed the importance of providing medical, psychological, and legal support to victims of these crimes.
As investigations are awaited, the public has been urged to stay alert, avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers while traveling, and report suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.
The rising wave of these incidents has sparked fear among travelers, with pressure now mounting on security agencies and transport stakeholders to act swiftly and restore public confidence in long-distance travel.
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