Residents of West Seme in Kisumu county are living in fear after gangs killed two people and burnt down several homes.
One minor also sustained injuries in one of the arson attacks.
Residents from South Alungo sublocation said the gangs go round homesteads and demand huge amounts of money.
They said they give a grace period of two weeks, failure to which they burn down the houses.
The latest arson attack happened on a couple's house January 4 at around 1 am.
The woman died on the spot while the man, who had escaped with injuries, died on Sunday while receiving treatment.
Their six month old baby is still receiving treatment at Kombewa subcounty hospital.
Sharon Odhiambo, a family member said the attacks have left many children orphaned and without homes.
She said the children are stranded at hope as most of them lost school books, uniforms and other personal items in the fires.
"We are urging well-wishers to come to our aid. We are also calling for justice for our family members," Odhiambo said.
The arson attacks started in November last year, when a widow, Esther Mboya received a notice from the gang.
“We have been sent to burn you and your house , we have given you a notice of two weeks to pay Sh50,000 to this number failure to which we will burn you down,” the notice read.
After two weeks, Mboya's house was burnt down to house and nothing saved.
She said, before the arson attack, she would sleep in different homesteads to save herself.
"I almost slept in my house on the fateful day because I was not feeling well. But my child convinced me not to and that is how I was saved," Mboya said.
Another widow received similar threats.
The residents have taken the letters to the police and reported the matter to the Bodi police post.
Copies of the letters have been given to the area assistant chief Shadrack Ochola.
Area OCPD Hellen Rotich said that they are aware of the incidences and that the matter is under investigation by DCI to establish the motive of attacks.
On Tuesday, the residents held demonstrations and demanded for action against the culprits.
They urged the police to investigate the incidents and make arrests.
Mark Odeny said women are more in danger because they are left in the houses when men go fishing at night.
"Our women want to carry the children and follow us to work because they are afraid of what will happen next. We cannot live like this, something needs to be done," he said.
Odeny asked political leaders in the area to help them push for action.