Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, has announced that the government has taken ten individuals into custody in connection with the recent confrontations resulting in fatalities along the Kisumu-Kericho border in the Sondu area.
Addressing the National Assembly Departmental Committee on National Administration and Internal Security on Thursday, October 12, the CS informed that the apprehended suspects are currently in the process of being prepared for prosecution.
During the committee meeting, Homabay Town MP, Peter Kaluma, inquired about the actions taken since the deployment of GSU police officers to quell the clashes in the region.
Kisumu West Member of Parliament, Rosa Buyu, also raised concerns about the extended presence of police officers in the area and called for their transfer. She additionally urged Kindiki to investigate politicians accused of encouraging residents to take up arms or make hate speech-related remarks.
To address these concerns, Kindiki had previously issued an order on Wednesday, instructing the transfer of police officers who had remained in the same post for over three years. He clarified that the transfer process would be completed within 60 days, contrary to earlier demands for immediate action. Any officers who disobey this directive risk job termination or salary withholding.
The clashes in the Sondu area, along the Kisumu-Kericho border, occurred on October 4, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries. The confrontations also led to the destruction of several homes, intensifying tensions in the area. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyo’ng’o and other local leaders had requested the deployment of GSU police officers to restore order, a request that was swiftly answered by the Interior CS.
These clashes coincided with President William Ruto’s visit to the region. On October 6, the President condemned the incidents and called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, emphasizing that those responsible for causing a citizen’s death must face legal consequences.
