CS Kindiki addresses a public baraza in Sondu

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for interior Abraham Kithure Kindiki has moved with speed to restore calm and order in Sondu.

The town lies along the Kisumu - Kericho border.

Tension has been high in the area since Wednesday this week, when protests called by the opposition degenerated into ethnic classes between the Luo and the Kalenjin.

Scores were injured during the unfortunate turn of events.

Addressing residents from both ethnic groups during a joint public baraza on Saturday, CS Kindiki said violence can't offer a solution to any dispute.

"All differences, be they social, political, religious, or community, can only be resolved peacefully and within the law. Violence and lawlessness can not be a solution to any dispute," he said.

He said violence witnessed in the border town on Wednesday, was planned by criminals whom the law will soon catch up with.

"Those who orchestrated chaos in Sondu Township on Wednesday, in the guise of border disputes between Kericho and Kisumu Counties, were criminals, whose acts cannot be tolerated or excused. The Government is ready to facilitate peace building and cohesion efforts between communities living in border towns."

"The culture of impunity must be stopped, and those keen on driving the country into anarchy through violence and wanton destruction of private and public property dealt with firmly and decisively," he added.

He attended the public baraza after a security briefing with Rift Valley and Nyanza Regions', and Kericho and Kisumu counties security and intelligence committeees.