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Watakiona cha mtema kuni – Ruto on Sondu clashes

He issued a stern warning to those taking part in the clashes and shedding innocent blood

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by Magdalene Saya

News06 October 2023 - 08:43
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In Summary


  • Renewed clashes along the Kisumu-Kericho border have left at least seven people dead.
  • Residents have fled the war-tone area following Wednesday's pre-dawn attack which left several others hospitalised with injuries inflicted by arrows.
President William Ruto addressing Kenyans in Nyando, Kisumu on October 6, 2023

President William Ruto has called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to ensure normalcy is restored in Nyando area in Kisumu.

Speaking during his working tour in the area, Ruto issued a stern warning to those taking part in the clashes and shedding innocent blood saying their days were numbered.

Ruto said the people involved in the clashes would be dealt with the same way the government was dealing with bandits in the North Rift and Al Shabaab militants.

He further noted that the time for tribal clashes was long gone saying the government belonged to all Kenyans irrespective of their political differences.

“Kuna watu wanaturudisha nyuma na kuleta vita kati ya jamii na kati ya majirani. Nishamwambia Kithure Kindiki, vile tumewakalia wale wa North Rift na Al Shabaab hawa watu wa Sondu hapa watakiona cha mtema kuni,” Ruto said.

This loosely translates to: "There are people who are dragging us behind by engaging in tribal clashes, these people in Sondu will be dealt with accordingly".

“Hatutaki mambo ya ujinga, ya ukabila, sisi tunaishi Kenya moja na serikali ya Kenya ni serikali ya kila Mkenya,” he said.

“Nimemwambia Kindiki ahakikishe ya kwamba kila mtu ambaye alisababisha mwananchi akapoteza maisha yake lazima akamatwe na lazima apelekwe jela kwa sababu kuua mwananchi mwenzako ni mambo ambayo haikubaliki; wanaeza kwenda ile safari ya tatu ile ya kwenda huko lakini watapitia kortini kwanza”

This is translated to mean I have directed Kindiki to ensure those involved are arrested and taken to court because killing fellow human beings is something the government will not accept.

This comes barely a day after Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party accused 'big names' in the county and national government of instigating the violence.

The Opposition outfit said it's convinced the violence is being sponsored by local politicians keen on claiming part of Kisumu County during the envisaged boundary review.

"Let’s make no mistake. The violence and mayhem in Sondu are not ordinary disagreements between villagers. Big names are behind this violence. They include leaders and politicians from the neighbouring county and in the national government," Azimio said.

Renewed clashes along the Kisumu-Kericho border have left at least seven people dead.

Residents have fled the war-tone area following Wednesday's pre-dawn attack which left several others hospitalised with injuries inflicted by arrows.

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