The government has beefed up security in Sondu town which borders Kericho and Kisumu counties after two neighboring communities clashed leading to the death of one person, while five others sustained injuries and are recuperating at Sigowet Sub-County Hospital.
Confirming the incident, Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Michael Lesimam said four people were critically injured, while another person was slightly injured, during the confrontation between the two conflicting communities during Wednesday’s anti-government protests.
Lesimam urged residents to remain calm and coexist peacefully assuring that the local security team is patrolling the area to repulse any form of lawlessness, even as tension remained high in the area.
“We are going to handle this situation. It is a small matter. I am urging the area residents to stop stoning police officers on the ground and to live peacefully,” he said.
Equally a senior police officer attached to Sondu Police Station sustained injuries after being hit with a stone by the protesters.
“We are monitoring the situation and we have deployed adequate police officers to contain the situation,” reiterated the County Commissioner.
At the same time, the Kericho County Governor Dr. Eric Mutai has called on communities living along the Kericho-Kisumu border to maintain peace and refrain from retaliatory attacks.
“Nonetheless we thank the police for effectively responding and safeguarding the rights and properties of those who were not demonstrating to enable them carry on with their normal businesses,” said Dr. Mutai
This commotion is said to have occurred Wednesday evening after protesters from Kisumu County crossed the border into the neighbouring Kericho County and started vandalizing and looting businesses.
However, ppolice officers deployed at the trading center swiftly repulsed the protestors who were armed with crude weapons including bows, arrows and stones.
By Kibe Mburu and Elyne Chepkirui
