Outrage in Garissa as lecturer Ochieng Minudi killed in suspected gang attack

The brutal murder of a Garissa-based lecturer, Ochieng Minudi, in Bulla Mzuri on Saturday evening has sparked outrage and urgent calls for action.

Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed Barrow has condemned the rising tide of youth-led violence that continues to terrorise residents.

"I have received with great shock and pain the news of the brutal killing of Lecturer Ochieng Minudi," said MP Barrow in a strongly worded statement on Sunday. "This is not just a loss to his family, but to the entire Garissa community and our education fraternity."

Mr Minudi, a respected academic and community mentor, was fatally stabbed on Saturday night in what authorities suspect was a gang-related attack. The killing has sent shockwaves through Garissa and reignited public concern over the growing menace of violent youth gangs, particularly in Bulla Mzuri.

"A dedicated teacher, a mentor, and a hardworking Kenyan's life has been cut short by heartless criminals," Barrow said, promising swift justice. "I want to make it absolutely clear—I have, and continue to personally follow up with the police and relevant authorities until every single person involved in this barbaric act is arrested and brought to justice."

Organised youth violence

Garissa has seen a disturbing rise in organised youth violence over the past year, with Bulla Mzuri, Iftin, and parts of Waberi emerging as hotspots for gang activity.

Local sources say many of the gangs consist of teenagers and young adults, some as young as 14, who move in groups and are often armed with knives or crude weapons.

What began as petty theft has now escalated into brazen attacks on innocent civilians.

"These gangs that have turned violence into a habit—who rob, maim, and now kill—will be flushed out completely. Enough is enough," said Barrow.

Residents have expressed growing fear, particularly at night, with some changing their commuting routes or avoiding public spaces altogether. Business owners in Bulla Mzuri report suffering major losses due to insecurity and frequent harassment.

Barrow assured residents that security will be reinforced and pledged full support for community policing initiatives.

"Garissa will not be held hostage by gangs," he declared. "We owe it to the late Mr Minudi, to his family, and to every innocent resident who simply wants to live, work, and raise their children in peace."

Targeted crackdowns

In recent weeks, both the national government and county security committees have launched targeted crackdowns on gang activity.

However, locals insist that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of the violence — including unemployment, drug abuse, and the lack of mentorship for young people.

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• Northern Kenya
• Murder
• lecturer
• Ochieng Minudi
• Bulla Mzuri
• Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed Barrow
• Outrage in Garissa as lecturer Ochieng Minudi killed in suspected gang attack
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As the community mourns another life lost too soon, questions continue to mount over how Garissa’s streets became hunting grounds for youth gangs.

Garissa Peace Chairman Hassan Osman Shurie also condemned the killing and urged authorities to act swiftly to apprehend the suspects. He further called on security officers to intensify night patrols in the hotspot areas across Garissa town.