Kisumu County Border Crisis Displaces Hundreds
Hundreds of Kisumu County residents have been compelled to abandon their residences as a result of attacks along the border with Kericho.
On Sunday, August 20, the governor of Kisumu, Anyang’ Nyong’o, stated that the residents who were assaulted were accused of stealing livestock.
Nyong’o disclosed that the tensions began three days ago and that, as of today, two residents of Kisumu County had perished.
“Several people have been injured, a house has been burned, and property of unknown value has been destroyed in Nyakach as a result of raids by youths armed with poisoned arrows,” divulged the governor.
“Shocking photographs were captured at the scene. Hundreds of people continue to evacuate their homes, particularly in the hardest-hit regions of Jimo and Kasaye, he added.
Nyong’o lamented that the conflict had negatively impacted the economic activities in his county.
Nyong’o condemned the conflict in a message of condolence to the families of the deceased, stating that the two victims who perished did not deserve to die.
ALSO READ: Ruto-Raila Talks: Kenya Kwanza And Azimio Politicians’ Shifting Stance
The governor also blamed the Ministry of the Interior, contending that their inaction and relapse led to the displacement of hundreds.
“It is disappointing that the Ministry has failed to stop these flights three days after tensions began to rise along the shared border,” lamented Nyong’o.
He asserted that the Kithure Kindiki-led court docket must have received intelligence reports on the matter, but chose to disregard them.
“If it was a case of stock theft, where were the Anti-Stock Theft police officers stationed close to the border?” “Have they apprehended the perpetrators?” he asked.
Nyong’o urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to formulate a permanent resolution to the conflict. Additionally, he urged politicians from both nations to advocate for peace.
“I want to urge politicians on the Kericho side to hold barazas and urge their people to lay down their arms and give peace a chance.” On our part, we are already advocating for peaceful coexistence with our neighbors.”
During identical clashes at the Kisumu-Kericho border in July of this year, two individuals were killed and fifteen were injured.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki proclaimed at the time that he had dispatched police officers to the area to defuse the situation.
Kisumu County Border Crisis Displaces Hundreds