Sondu: President Ruto Orders Arrest Of Those Behind Clashes That Have Killed 7 People
President William Ruto has broken his reticence for the first time since Azimio la Umoja attributed the Sondu murders to members of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, which he leads.
As his tour of Nyanza began on Friday in Siaya County, the Head of State disclosed that he had ordered Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to conduct conclusive investigations and bring the perpetrators to court.
He also indicated that the state will treat the suspect with the same ruthlessness as Al Shabaab in Somalia and bandits in Baringo.
“People are taking us back by pitting communities and neighbors against each other. I have already directed Interior CS Kithure Kindiki that just like we are dealing with North Rift bandits and Alshabaab, the gangs in Sondu will face the full force of the law,” declared the Head of State.
“We do not want ethnic rivalry. We live in one Kenya and the government is here to serve all Kenyans. I have directed Kindiki to ensure that everyone who led to the death of citizens must be arrested and arraigned.”
Ruto’s statement comes a day after Azimio la Umoja, led by Raila Odinga, blamed leaders affiliated with the ruling party for the attacks.
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Thursday night’s confrontations resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and the injuries of several others.
“Big names are behind this violence. They include leaders and politicians in neighboring counties and in the national government,” the statement read in part.
“The violence currently going on in Sondu is not an ordinary disagreement between villagers,” added the statement.
Kindiki deployed a team of specialized security personnel on Thursday to stem the rise of violent crime in Sondu Town and its environs.
He went on to say that the police chiefs who were previously stationed in the border town were transferred to facilitate investigations against them.
“In the interim, it has been decided to transfer all local security chiefs on both sides of the border, as well as other security and public officers whose lack of effectiveness, impartiality, or competence is believed to have contributed to the criminals’ success,” Kindiki said.
Sondu: President Ruto Orders Arrest Of Those Behind Clashes That Have Killed 7 People
