Editor's Review

“We are convinced that this violence is being sponsored by a local politician."

The Azimio la Umoja coalition has linked the violence being witnessed along the Kisumu and Kericho counties border in Sondu town to a local politician.

In a press statement on Thursday, October 5, Azimio sensationally claimed that the politician is claiming part of Kisumu County during the envisaged boundary review.

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

At the same, Azimio called on the government to investigate Kericho Governor Eric Mutai over allegations of sponsoring the Sondu violence.

“We strongly condemn the senseless murders and violence prevailing in Sondu. We are also concerned over the mistrust that this violence is breeding between residents that is now taking a political dimension,” the coalition stated.

Read More

  1. Eugene Walamwa and Kalonzo Hint at Formation of New Political Outfit
  2. Another Azimio Principal Announces Exit From Coalition
  3. Gen Z and Raila Among Top Ranked Heroes in Kenya - Infotrak Poll

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.

File image of  Raila Odinga and other Azimio leaders

Azimio further asked 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.

Nyanza governors Gladys Wangs (Homa Bay), Ochillo Ayacko (Migori), James Orengo (Siaya) and Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu) in a joint statement earlier called on Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to deploy General Service Unit (GSU) officers to the area to quell the clashes.

The four governors noted that attempts by local police officers to handle the clashes in Sondu have been futile.

“We strongly propose that the government urgently sends a contingent of GSU to that area to restore peace and security,” the joint statement read in part.

The Nyanza governors also claimed that the Sondu clashes have resulted in the death of seven people, several herds of cattle stolen and homes burnt down.