Azimio Claims Governor Sponsored Kisumu-Kericho Border Clashes

The Azimio La Umoja coalition has linked senior leaders from Kericho including the governor Dr. Eric Mutai to the clashes that broke out on the border of Kisumu and Kericho counties in Sondu that have so far killed seven people.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, October 5, the opposition coalition pinned blame on Kenya Kwanza political leaders for fuelling the clashes splitting communities from the two counties and pitting them against each other.

The Raila Odinga-led coalition also sensationally claimed that a section of politicians within the national government were responsible for the clashes that ignited on Tuesday night.

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga speaking during a final farewell to the late Hon James Charles Nakhwanga Osogo, the last surviving member of the late President Jomo Kenyatta's Cabinet, on September 2, 2023. /AZIMIO TV

"Big names are behind this violence. They include leaders and politicians in neighbouring counties and in the national government," claimed Azimio.

"In particular, we are demanding investigations to be carried out upon individuals who have been mentioned as sponsors of the violence, who include the Kericho County Governor, Dr Eric Mutai."

The clashes on the Kisumu and Kericho borders have been igniting each electoral cycle with Kericho and Nandi counties fighting for control of parts of Kisumu County.

Kericho has specifically claimed that Sondu should be part of the tea-growing county, while Nandi has in the past claimed Muhoroni, Chemelil, Kibos and Koru.

"The violence currently going on in Sondu is not an ordinary disagreement between villagers.

“We are convinced that this violence is being sponsored by a local politician who has set their claiming part of Kisumu County during the envisaged boundary review,” the opposition coalition further claimed.

Azimio went on to strongly condemn the senseless murders and violence prevailing in Sondu, joining several voices including governors from the Nyanza region as well as Kericho Senator, Aaron Cheruiyot slamming the gruesome clashes.

The coalition also expressed concern over the mistrust that the violence was breeding between residents that it added is now taking a political dimension.

The Raila Odinga-led coalition also asked the government to bring the violence to an end and to provide round-the-clock security to the residents, further asking the government to provide support to the families that have been affected by this violence.

“Such support should include footing the medical bills for those who have sought treatment and helping with the burials of those who have been killed in this violence,” the coalition added.

Earlier, Nyanza Governors, Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu), James Orengo (Siaya) and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) pressured Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki to deploy the General Service Unit (GSU) to deal with the Sondu clashes.

Cheruiyot on his part demanded Kindiki and Inspector General of Police (IG) Japhet Koome to transfer all security officers, accusing them of laxity on their job and failing to stop the attacks which he argued could have been prevented.

The Interior Ministry is yet to issue a statement regarding the clash that has crippled transport and activities as youth battled each other, putting peace in the region at risk.

Police officers put off a fire in one of the houses as tension remains high in Sondu following the death of three people in fresh clashes on October 4, 2023. /THE STAR