- The crackdown followed public uproar over the increasing number street kids within Busia municipality.
- Members of the public had expressed security concerns following the rise in the number of people living on street at the border town.
Fifty people have been arrested in Busia on the first day of a crackdown targeting street children.
The operation also netted adults who police said on Friday have no defined homes.
The crackdown followed public uproar over the increasing number of street kids within Busia municipality.
Members of the public had expressed security concerns following the rise in the number of people living on street at the border town.
A police report filed at Busia police station on Friday at 8am and seen by the Star said the operation was led by a multi-agency team keen on restoring decency within the municipality.
Those arrested are detained at Busia police station pending identification before being reunited with their families.
The teams involved in the operation included National Government Administration Officers, officers from the National Police Service, county government, Busia children’s department and community policing officials.
County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto said the Busia Children’s department will help in identifying families of those under the age of 18 before reuniting them.
Adults will also be tasked to disclose their personal identification details in a bid to establish their origin before their families are informed of their whereabouts.
Police said similar crackdowns will be conducted across the county.
The mop-up was prompted by public concern over the rise in the number of people moving from home to home in Busia "looking for jobs".
Residents said the identity and origin of the persons remained unclear posing a security threat to residents.
Some have been moving in trading centres "looking for food".
Authorities at the border county have promised to ensure law and order prevails and that no one disrupts normal life.