Security beefed to quell tension at Sondu market

Kisumu, Thursday July 13, 2023

KNA by Chris Mahandara

Security has been beefed up at the Sondu market to contain tension that emanated from Wednesday's anti- government protests.

Multi-agency security teams from the bordering Kisumu and Kericho counties were by press time holed up in a meeting to device a solution to the issue.

This follows a flare up between communities residing in the area after the demonstrations yesterday with one person confirmed dead and 16 others hospitalized.

The skirmishes continued through the night paralyzing business and transport along the busy Ahero-Kisii-Isebania highway. 

A contingent of security officers from the two counties is keeping vigil at the town as the locals armed with arrows and machetes patrol the streets.

Kisumu County Police Commander Alphonce Kimanthi said the security team has lined up a series of meetings with the communities and other stakeholders to quell the tension and find a long lasting solution to the problem.

A doctor in charge of the outpatient wing at Nyambondo Mission Hospital said the facility received five patients with gunshot wounds, four with arrow wounds and three with cuts and stabs yesterday.

"Unfortunately one of the patients who had severe cuts died. We could not resuscitate or refer him," he said

Three more patients with arrows clogged in their bodies, he said, were also received at the facility today.

The doctor who requested for anonymity said all the patients were in stable condition and appealed for blood donations to support the patients as they are set to undergo operation.

Meanwhile area residents have accused security officers in the area of laxity.

Florence Akinyi, a trader at the market said goons infiltrated the demonstrations descending on people with pangas and arrows.

"We want the government to investigate this matter and bring to book those behind these clashes," she said.

Akinyi said the standoff not only affected transport and businesses but also schools.

Courtesy ; K. N. A