Siaya County Commissioner Has Banned Disco Matanga To Curb Crimes

Siaya county commission officer has banned night vigil disco, popularly known as 'disco matanga' to curb criminal activities in the region.

County commissioner Josephine Onunga said the vigils, often held to raise funds for funeral expenses, are a hub for organised crime.

She said she has instructed area chief to ensure no one organizes night vigil discos under the pretext of fund raising.

Addressing residents in Asembo during World Environment Day county commissioner said ; " We have resolved to ban disco matanga to curb increasing cases of insecurity, early pregnancies, school dropouts and other criminal activities that arise at such gatherings".

She said they will conduct a crackdown together with area chiefs and police to arrest those who violate the directive.

The county commissioner noted that the events have become commercialized and encourage the sale of drugs such as bhang and illicit brews. Onunga also said the loud music diverts students' attention.

"As much as we will be taming criminal activities in the area, our students will also have ample time to concentrate on their studies".

She said the disco matanga culture is to blame for high HIV prevalence in the region. She added saying "Our children are now at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections as a result of behaviours they are exposing themselves to during such events".

The commissioner asked residents and security officials to remain alert before, during and after the August 8 polls and report incidents of crime in their respective areas.