Govt Speaks After Azimio Protests Trigger Kisumu-Kericho Border Violence
Omollo noted that efforts are still underway to end the outburst of violence in Sondu Town
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Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo on Friday, July 14 broke the government's silence on the deadly border dispute between Kisumu and Kericho counties which saw two people killed and scores injured.
The violence was on Thursday, July 13 triggered by the ongoing anti-government protests, with police indicating that they were working to end the chaos and stop it from escalating in a region that is volatile and erupts whenever there is a political upheaval in the country.
Addressing the media at Oriwo Boys High School in Homa Bay, Omollo noted that efforts are still underway to end the outburst of violence in Sondu Town which has also left most businesses remaining closed and transport activities paralysed.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo speaking during the tour of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to assess the security situation at the facility on July 13, 2023. /FACEBOOK.RAYMOND OMOLLO
"The recently witnessed countrywide protests are but a smokescreen of the actual security situation in Sondu. This border town has for a long time balanced on the precipice of a brewing ethnic conflict between residents of Kisumu and Kericho counties.
"As a historical challenge therefore, even as we pursue a lasting remedy to stabilize this volatile region, we call upon the regional leadership from both divides to calm the locals and allow for security operations to restore law and order," Omollo said.
The PS called upon leaders from the two regions to reason together and put their differences aside adding that they should work towards finding peace and not fanning violence.
“Security officers are on the ground to look into the matter. Those who are found culpable must face the law. The government is also reviewing the causes of conflicts,” Omollo said.
Residents who were injured during the clashes were hospitalized in local facilities and were receiving treatment.
Kericho governor Erick Mutai in a statement had alleged that the clashes were political, pinning the blame on Azimio-allied politicians.
"It is regrettable that the various communities which have co-existed harmoniously as brothers and sisters have been politically incited to violence by political stalwarts associated with Azimio. It is sad that one life has been lost while 5 have been injured.
"We condemn in the strongest terms the acts of anarchy and violence perpetrated on innocent business people especially those who come from communities not supporting demonstrations, " he claimed.
Leaders allied to Azimio however claimed that the clashes have been sponsored by the government to puncture their mass action.
The Kericho-Kisumu border issue has been raging on for a while, threatening peace among communities who live along the boundary of the two counties and worsening each time there are political clashes.
Kericho County residents bordering Kisumu have laid claim to some towns and centres, claiming the boundaries should be redrawn to return some towns and centres to Kericho.
Kericho has in the past laid claim to Sondu, which according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is located in Kisumu County. Other towns claimed by either Kericho or Nandi include Muhoroni, Chemelil, Kibos, Miwani, Koru and Kopere.
A police car is torched by protesters at Emali on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway on July 12, 2023. /PHOTO
