Officers who take sides in Sondu conflicts to be sacked- Kindiki

The government will punish people who hide behind boundary disputes to cause mayhem in Sondu town, CS for Interior Kithure Kindiki has said.

On Saturday, Kindiki said residents had been living and doing their businesses peacefully until last Wednesday when some people ignited the conflicts.

In the conflicts, some three people were reportedly killed.

“The government will not fail to take action against people who perpetrate crimes in Sondu town in disguise of politics and boundary disputes,” Kindiki said.

Going further, the CS warned security officers in the area against taking sides in the conflicts.

Kindiki highlighted he had received reports of security and public officers who are partisan in the skirmishes.

The former Senator said public officers are employed to work for all Kenyans regardless of their tribe.

“We're taking these conflicts with seriousness because they distrupt peace and development. And any discriminative public officers will be sacked,” the CS added.

Security officers from both Kisumu and Kericho counties were urged to undertake a joint patrol to avoid showing any wedge among them.

Residents were urged to report politicians and public officers who promote the conflicts by inciting them and taking bribes respectively.

Kindiki told politicians from Kisumu and Kericho to help them restore peace in the area for the development of the people.

“We want to see elders, local chiefs and religious leaders from both sides meet to restore peace. The government is ready to use resources to facilitate the peace initiative,”  he added.

In addition, the cabinet secretary warned opposition leaders against using youths through anti-government protests to cause destruction in the country.

Azimio leadership and supporters have been engaging in street protests over what they term high cost of living. Opposition stalwarts Raila Odinga,Kalonzo Musyoka,Martha Karua and Eugine Wamalwa have been calling the shots.

“The policy difference between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza government should not be used to cause chaos. We won't allow you to burn the country in disguise of protesting the high cost of living,” Kindiki said.

He said they will not allow Azimio leaders and supporters hold the country at a standstill due to personal interests.

The CS was hosted by Rift Valley regional commissioner Abdi Hassan and his Nyanza counterpart Flora Mworoa.

On his end, Hassan said they are ready to lead dialogue between the two communities to ensure peace prevail.

" Our offices are open and ready to receive and understand your grievances. What we want is peace," Hassan said.

Mworoa said they will not hesitate from arresting conflict promoters in order to evict others. "Everyone has a right to live in any part of the country. That's why violence perpetrators will not escape,” Mworoa said