GEM YALA: Siaya Governor James Orengo has decried the deployment of the police General Service Unit (GSU) in Ramula, Gem Yala Sub-county, following public demonstrations that left two people dead.

Governor Orengo, who visited the scene of the skirmishes today, lamented that the deployment of the paramilitary unit has terrorized residents, whose movements have been curtailed by persistent police harassment.

Addressing residents at the Ramula Trading Centre, the Governor stated that the paramilitary unit has, in effect, declared an undeclared state of emergency in the area, making the Akala–Luanda Road impassable.

He argued that these actions are unconstitutional, as such measures can only be legally enforced after an official declaration in the Kenya Gazette.

“They have declared an emergency and a curfew, which should only happen once it is published in the Kenya Gazette. This did not happen here,” Orengo said.

He added that instead of maintaining peace, the paramilitary unit has wreaked havoc in the area, breaking into houses, beating, and maiming locals.

The Governor called for President William Ruto’s intervention, noting that as the Commander-in-Chief, the President should be privy to the GSU deployment in the region.

Orengo demanded the immediate withdrawal of the officers to allow normalcy to return to the area.

The unrest began last weekend when two people were shot dead after a group of demonstrators allegedly threatened to overrun the Ramula Police Post.

As the situation escalated, police reinforcements, including GSU officers, were dispatched to the area, bringing local business to a standstill. For two consecutive days, Ramula and its environs have remained deserted as security officials continue to patrol the region.