Death toll from Sondu clashes rises to seven

The death toll in the fresh attacks in Sondu area along the Kisumu-Kericho border rose to seven yesterday even as the Azimio la Umoja coalition read a political hand in the skirmishes.

Three people were killed while several sustained injuries on Wednesday when the renewed clashes erupted between communities living on the border.

Yesterday, four more victims were confirmed to have lost their lives on Wednesday night while receiving treatment following the conflicts that left them nursing serious injuries.

Addressing a press conference, the Azimio leaders who included Raila Odinga, Eugene Wamalwa, Mwangi wa Iria and George Wajackoya singled out Kericho governor Eric Mutai as being among the sponsors of the skirmishes.

“Let’s make no mistake. The violence and mayhem in Sondu is not an ordinary disagreements between villagers. Big names are behind this violence. They include leaders and politicians from the neighbouring county and in the national government,” the leaders claimed in a statement read by Wamalwa.

Boundaries review

They claimed that the latest skirmishes were part of a scheme by leaders from Kericho county to  influence the next boundaries’ review exercise.

“We view these latest incidents in Sondu as part of a long, off and on history of violence instigated by politicians who have on numerous occasions incited the different communities against each local leaders who have been implicated in these activities,” Wamalwa added.

“The apparent bias, indifference and helplessness of security officers in the area as violence rages clearly indicate that big names are behind the fighting and the mayhem,” the statement went on, and demanded that investigations be carried out against individuals implicated as sponsors of this violence “who include the governor of Kericho county.”

“These leaders must abandon their expansionist tendency through which they are seeking to extend the boundary of Kericho county with a view to claiming Sondu town,” the statement added.

Speaking to People Daily, Upper Nyakach Assistant County Commissioner Darwin Orina confirmed that the victims who suffered serious injuries died while undergoing treatment.

Businesses closed

It was reported that criminals armed with bows and arrows raided East Kadiang’a Location in Nyakach Sub-county and unleashed terror on the unsuspecting villagers before fleeing the scene.

The victims who reportedly sustained arrow wounds were rushed to St Joseph Nyabondo Mission Hospital for medical attention as others in critical condition were later referred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.

The violence was linked to suspected cattle rustling reported in the area.

Witnesses said tension started building up after a suspected thief was previously killed by a mob, sparking a series of retaliatory attacks between the border communities.This comes even as normalcy is yet to return in the troubled area following the latest attacks.

On Thursday, tension still remained high on the border market, with little business activities going on for the second day.

A spot check by People Daily in the market revealed that many shops remained closed as traders feared for their lives.

Authorities led by Kisumu County Commissioner Hussein Alassow Hussein assured that adequate police officers have been deployed in the area to help restore calm.

Hussein said the simmering tensions that started building up days before the attacks were largely attributed to incidents of cattle rustling.

“Our officers are on the ground to ensure that peace is restored. We are formulating workable strategies to restore order,” he said. A heavy contingent of anti-riot police officers were present in the area to ensure there was calm.

Meanwhile, four governors from the Nyanza region petitioned the government to swiftly move in to resolve the standoff and restore order on the border.

The county chiefs Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Gladys Wanga ( Homa Bay), Ochilo Ayako ( Migori) and James Orengo (Siaya),  want security agencies to move with speed and handle the insecurity problem in the affected area.

 In a joint press statement released yesterday, they accused the police of showing laxity in addressing the insecurity situation and restoring order on the border.

The governors claimed that police officers have taken sides with the criminals in their actions.

 “Attempts by the police to re-establish security, law, and order have been futile. In fact, some of the police have either shown substantial support for the warriors or turned a blind eye to their attacks on our people,” they asserted in the statement.

They proposed that the government urgently send a contingent of GSU officers to the border area to restore peace and security, while at the same time calling for expedition of the process to resolve the border boundary disputes.

“The issue of the boundary between the two counties should be settled expeditiously using lawful and proper government procedures,” the statement continued.

Separately, Kericho Aaron Kipkirui Cheruiyot demanded that the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome and Interior Cabinet Secretar Prof. Kithure Kindiki immediately transfer all officers in the area, accusing them of laxity and failing to stop the attacks.

Cheruiyot, who is also the Senate Leader of Majority, accused the police of negligence, saying the incident that led to loss of lives and destruction of business establishments could have been averted had authorities acted more promptly.

“It is appalling that the officers have been passively spectating as the two sides engage in despicable bloody orgies, with little or no action to restore order, protect lives and property. The officers are complicit for not acting on actionable intelligence on planning and retaliatory attacks from both sides,” he said in a press statement.

He added: “Our security enforcement agencies owe the country an explanation on how this situation escalated under their watch. No cause justifies such barbarity and heinous crimes whatsoever! The hostilities must cease forthwith,”

The senator cautioned leaders from the region against making polarizing statements that could aggravate the conflicts.

“Leaders must live up to the oath of office by upholding and defending the constitution.they must stop the culture of politicizing the unfortunate acts of violence and instead participate in pacifying hostilities. The people of both counties have lived side by side for decades and share plenty in common,” he said.

Further, the lawmaker urged security agencies to urgently convene a public baraza bringing together leaders and community members from both counties as a way of restoring peace.

“I am certain this meeting drawn from the two neighbouring counties can arrest the unfortunate situation immediately,” he stated.

Residents have also appealed to the government to find a permanent solution to the insecurity menace on the border area.

The locals expressed concerns that the alarming insecurity along the border was a threat to business and livelihood.

Lucas Ogutu, a resident of Sondu market, said they no longer feel safe while undertaking their business due to the insecurity challenge.

Ogutu claimed that there was inaction from the police and local leaders over the clashes.

He asked the government to intervene and stop the conflicts that have led to loss of lives and injuries.

“We are perturbed by the recurrent conflicts happening on the border. We want to see action being taken against the perpetrators for us to have lasting peace,”  said Ogutu.