Alarm raised over increasing number of people killed outside their homes’ gates

Mr David Achieng’, a part-time lecturer at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (Jooust), was driving home on the night of March 7 with his wife Lilian.

That was the last journey they would make together.

Mrs Achieng’ had barely opened their gate when a four-man gang brandished guns in her face.

They quickly shot her husband from the back, killing him on the spot. “Gentlemen don’t kill me,” she recalls his pleas in vain. 

“Despite him pleading with them and surrendering himself, they still shot him,” the mother of four told the Sunday Nation.

The killers later escaped on a motorbike.

The lecturer is one of an increasingly alarming number of Kenyans who have met their deaths at the gates to their houses, mainly at the hand of hitmen. And, in most cases, the killers are never identified.

Investigations also take very long, leaving the affected families in pain, despair and fear as they seek answers to what befell their loved ones.

And just last week, Vihiga businessman Tom Andebe was accosted and shot in the  head just outside the  gate of his Emutsula home in Emuhaya sub-county.

With this kind of killing, it appears the modus operandi is the same. First, the hit men wait at the entrance where security analysts argue is the most vulnerable point and where they are assured of success.

Two, the attackers use a motorbike probably to ease movement and most importantly to remain inconspicuous before the target arrives.

Three, the attackers rarely steal anything after the heinous act. In fact, most of these incidents show the assailants leaving after making sure that the man or woman they targeted is dead.

Security experts and police officers who spoke to the Sunday Nation said the number of Kenyans being killed at the entrance to their homes is “alarming and disturbing”. The officers indicated that their investigations into such killings always point to business deals gone sour,  conflicts over family  property and  extra-marital relationships, among other quarrels. 

Mr Richard Tutah, a security expert, and Prof Ken Onkware, who teaches disaster management at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, said that the cases were worrying and frightening.

“It is difficult for these criminals to attack when one is in motion, so they mostly wait when one has stopped for the gate to be opened,” said Mr Tutah.
Prof Onkware said: “These cases are increasing. The criminals are now doing economies of scale on their activities. At the gate, they have the biggest success rate.”

BRUTAL MURDER

In September 2013, Kenyans woke up to the news of the brutal murder of former Nation Media Group journalist Tony Kago.

Mr Kago was killed on a Sunday night by armed gunmen at the gate of his Ongata Rongai home on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Mr Kago, who then worked at a public relations firm, had called home and was waiting for his gate to be opened when he was shot in the shoulder. He later died in a hospital near his home.

Senior officers have offered suggestions on how to deal with  personal security.

Narok OCPD Peterson Ole Maelo advises that before you head home, try calling those already in the house.

“Tell them that you are headed home and have them prepare the dogs and be ready to open the gate for you. Alternatively, try passing your gate to check whether there are any strangers before stopping,” said Mr Maelo.

The Narok police boss also suggests installing sensor alarms on the gate. Prof Onkware said that Kenyans have to invest more in gate lighting and have many exit routes in case one is accosted. The use of technology and CCTV cameras might also help, he added. So what do you do when you find gunmen at your gate?

“Do not escape. Do not even dare open the door or unfasten the belt. Do not show that you are about to move,” says Mr Tutah.

He adds: “If the intention of the gangsters is to kill you no matter what, there are four options: run, hide, fight back or do all.”

Avoiding routine in arrivals and departure from your regular entertainment points  or business is also recommended.

“Do not be someone whose routine is clearly known - time of arrival, how you hoot, whom you call when you get home and things like that. Sometimes, just take a walk home or drive in on a hired vehicle or a taxi. Just try and be unpredictable,” Mr Tutah said.

Mr Maelo agrees that the cases of people being accosted at the gate were increasing. “But what I always tell people is that when you are caught, please do not fight back if you see that they have the upper hand,” he said.

According to Prof Onkware, the victim should not make any move that may suggest you want to fight back. In fact, cooperate with them if they do not shoot instantly, he says.

“If they brandish guns, hoot continuously and that might get you some help.”