10 Suspects in Police Custody Over Sondu Border Clashes

 In the wake of escalating violence at the Kericho-Kisumu border in Sondu, ten individuals have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in the recent clashes that have regrettably resulted in the loss of seven lives.

These unsettling events have prompted a swift response from Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, who has made it clear that these suspects will soon be presented in a court of law to face an array of charges related to their alleged roles in the unrest.

Image of interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki 

During a session with the National Assembly's Committee on Administration and National Security, CS Kindiki emphasized the gravity of the situation.

He astutely observed that some criminals have been exploiting boundary disputes as a pretext to engage in unlawful activities, making it imperative for the law to hold them accountable. Kindiki pointedly asserted, "Where the border lies cannot be an excuse for murder."

It is crucial to understand that the dispute in Sondu is not an isolated incident, as Kindiki revealed that nearly 30 other counties across the nation are grappling with similar border-related issues. The deep-seated territorial disputes have perpetuated tensions that occasionally culminate in violence. 

Nevertheless, Kindiki maintained that while these disputes are genuine concerns, the response of security officers in the area should have been more effective in preventing the recent clashes.

"We must first isolate the criminals before we look at the border dispute," Kindiki expressed, highlighting the heinous acts of theft that have occurred amid the violence. He further emphasized the absurdity of connecting a boundary dispute with cattle rustling, declaring, "I do not see any connection between a boundary and a cow."

To ensure that peace is restored in the region and future attacks are prevented, Kindiki announced the deployment of additional police officers to Sondu. This move is intended to provide a more robust security presence and mitigate the ongoing violence.

Meanwhile, Nyakach MP Joshua Aduma has stressed that the attacks are not merely rooted in a border dispute; rather, they represent one community pitted against another. Aduma reported the unfortunate destruction of homes on one side of the area and alleged that the individuals responsible for the violence were not local residents but were transported from distant regions.

In response to these disturbing developments, President William Ruto has ordered the immediate arrest of all those responsible for the clashes in Sondu. The President's call for decisive action came during his visit to Nyando, Kisumu County, where he urged Interior CS Kindiki to crack down on the perpetrators.

In alignment with the President's directive, Kindiki took prompt measures to transfer security chiefs from both sides of the border. These changes are part of the government's strategy to restore calm to the region and normalize the situation.

In addition, Kindiki vowed to take action against any security officers found to have been complicit in the clashes, emphasizing the government's commitment to bringing all wrongdoers to justice.

To reinforce the security apparatus in the affected area, Kindiki has deployed a multi-agency security team to Sondu. The collaboration of various security agencies aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement operations and ensure the safety of local residents.

On a separate front, leaders affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja political coalition have pointed fingers at local political leaders for the ongoing skirmishes in Sondu.

In a statement read by former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa, these leaders asserted that the violence in Sondu transcends ordinary disagreements among villagers. They argued that prominent figures, including leaders and politicians from neighboring counties and the national government, are implicated in the unrest.

In the midst of this unsettling situation, the residents of the affected border area have fervently appealed to the government for a permanent solution to the insecurity that has plagued their region for far too long.

These pleas underscore the urgent need for lasting peace and stability in Sondu and other counties grappling with similar border disputes.

The government's response to these appeals and the concerted efforts to bring perpetrators to justice will ultimately shape the path toward a more secure and harmonious future for all residents in these affected regions.