Police in Kisumu County have arrested two suspects in connection with the series of arson attacks that have destroyed vast sugarcane farms in the region.
The suspects are helping security agencies with further investigations to identify other perpetrators involved in the criminal act before they are charged in court.
Cane farmers in Muhoroni, Chemelil, and Kibos areas have incurred losses amounting to hundreds of millions after their farms were set ablaze by unknown individuals. Since July this year, over 1,000 acres of cane farms in the sugar belt have been burnt in the mysterious fires.
Confirming the arrests, Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo attributed the attacks to sabotage aimed at crippling the local sugar industry and damaging the region’s economy.
“The security agencies have held meetings with the sector’s stakeholders to try and establish the motive behind the burning of the crops. I urge our people and all local leaders to refrain from such destructive practices,” Leparmorijo said.
Subsequently, the County Commissioner reported that incidents of livestock theft along Kisumu’s borders have been subdued due to a multi-sectoral approach to enhance lasting peace in the area.
Leparmorijo added that peace campaigns have been intensified in the affected areas to address the triggers of conflict and ensure that residents coexist peacefully.
He noted that locals mostly apportion blame to the neighbouring communities from the bordering counties in cases of transborder crimes. He refuted the claim, saying that the stock thieves from other regions normally operate under their accomplices from within the community.
He also commended the efforts of youth from Chiga, Kadibo Sub County, who, together with police officers, recovered 13 stolen animals and returned them to their owners.
“Areas such as Sondu, Nyakach, Muhoroni, Kadibo, and Kisumu East have been affected by livestock theft. However, most stolen animals from Muhoroni are always recovered. I applaud the youth from Chiga for collaborating with the police to track down and recover the 13 animals stolen from an innocent resident,” Leparmorijo applauded.
Speaking during the International Day of Peace celebrations held in Kisumu County on Saturday, the Commissioner urged the public to adopt peaceful conflict resolution methods and shun acts that promote conflicts and violence.
“We are encouraging dialogue whenever there is an impasse. Let us not take the law into our own hands. Instead, let us sit down and amicably find solutions to whatever is disturbing the peace we enjoy,” he said.
Leparmorijo emphasized that peace is essential for any development and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that peace is maintained and preserved across the nation.
By Robert Ojwang’
