Homa Bay government has threatened to sue leaders accusing its enforcement officers of causing chaos at funerals and political meetings.
The threat follows claims by Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency chairman Odoyo Owidi that the officers are behind some of the attacks witnessed in recent weeks in meetings attended by politicians.
In some instances, people have been injured and property destroyed.
Owidi claimed he has photos and videos to prove that it is officers from Homa Bay county who are being used to cause violence.
Most incidents have been reported in Ndhiwa and Oyugis.
However, the county government spokesperson and public communications chief officer Atieno Otieno termed Owidi’s remarks as unfounded and misleading.
“Any individual or entity with credible evidence to the contrary is encouraged to present to the relevant authorities for investigation” Otieno said.
“We will fully work with the authorities to ensure that any arising issue is resolved,” she added.
But Owidi insisted that the county government must restrain its officers from engaging in violence.
“There are people in this county who are the underwriters of this violence,” he said.
“I want to tell the security agencies that the people who are supposed to record statements on the [ongoing] violence in the county are the officials in charge of enforcement.”
He spoke at a burial in Siburi village in Karachuonyo on Friday where he called on the county to recall all the enforcement officers and vet them afresh.
Owidi alleged that some of the officers have not passed the test of good conduct, even though he did not provide any evidence.
Atieno however said the county government has been regularly reviewing internal processes within the directorate of enforcement to ensure that all officers meet the required standards.
The review includes vetting their backgrounds and conduct.
“We urge all stakeholders, including political activists, to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that could incite tension and undermine the peace we strive to maintain,” she said.
“Any individual engaging in any form of violence deserves to face the law as prescribed in their capacity.”
She added that the county government would henceforth take legal action against people accusing its officers without providing evidence.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo who attended the funeral said the government would deal firmly with criminals.
The PS added that police would not allow youths be used to disrupt peace in the county.