Nyong'o sheds tears as he condemns fresh Sondu clashes

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o was on Wednesday overcome with emotions, when addressing members of the press on fresh Sondu clashes.

Last night, ethnic clashes in Sondu along Kisumu-Kericho boarder resulted in the death of three people. A house was also torched.

Nyong'o said that the incident is unfortunate, occurring ahead of president William Ruto's working tour of Nyanza region. The tour starts on Friday 6th.

"It is reported that last night, gangs armed with bows and artows crossed over the boarder from Kericho to attack residents in and around Sondu Market stealing and killing three people," the governor lamented.

The injured were taken to Nyabondo Mission Hospital for medical attention. Sondu has been a hard nut to crack for security officers, owing to frequent attacks from both sides of the border.

In July, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki held a security briefing with Nyanza and Rift Valley security bosses.

He then presided over a public baraza in Sondu, promising stern action against perpetrators of violence in the area.

“All differences, be they social, political, religious, or community-based, can only be resolved peacefully and within the law. Violence and lawlessness cannot be a solution to any dispute. Those who orchestrated chaos in Sondu Township 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 peacebuilding 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 must be dealt with firmly and decisively,” he added.

President Ruto is expected to speak on the emotive Sondu border issue during his Nyanza visit.