- Three people were killed in Sondu on Wednesday.
- Ruto is expected to start tour of the region on Friday.
Opposition MPs from Nyanza now want President William Ruto to consider suspending the planned tour of the region until the killings in Sondu is addressed.
Opposition MPs from Nyanza now want President William Ruto to consider suspending the planned tour of the region until the killings in Sondu are addressed.
The lawmakers led by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi condemned the ethnic clashes between the Luo and Kalenjin communities at Sondu that allegedly claimed three lives on Wednesday.
Speaking at Parliament buildings, the over ten lawmakers demanded that government machinery should be focused on ending the ongoing killings that have seen rising tension amongst the residents living at the volatile border.
“We want the regime in power led by William Ruto to take this issue as a priority and stop these killings of our people and theft of livestock,” Wandayi said.
“We want the regime to suspend any other activities planned or ongoing to stop these killings.”
Wandayi was accompanied by Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, MPs Jared Okelo (Nyando), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West), James Nyikal (Seme) and Onyango Koyoo (Muhoroni).
Other included Ruth Odinga (Kisumu MP), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga) and Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul) amongst others.
Aduma who is the area MP said at least three people had been killed and several houses during the Wednesday clashes in Sondu.
“We want the President to move with speed and end the massacre, our people should not feel like they have been abandoned by the government whose work is to protect the lives and properties of its citizens,” Aduma said.
Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu accused Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of planning parties and rallies at a time when people are being butchered in Sondu.
“It is a shame that we have PS Omollo from Karachuonyo just next door here and he is busy organising rallies and parties yet people are dying.”
“We are saying that these killings must stop and also we are saying that any other person organising, planning anything in this area must stop.”
The leaders disclosed they have not been invited for the President’s four-day development tour of the region set to start on Friday.
They said they would not attend to join the President during his tour of the region.
Wandayi said the President is free to visit any region they are not aware of any political activities that have been planned to take part in the region.
“We are not aware of any planned activities even though people are free to visit any part of this country.”
“Luo Nyanza is part and parcel of the Republic of Kenya. Ruto is, therefore, free to visit it anytime. Moreover, the Luo people are renowned for their hospitality and pragmatism. We cherish visitors. However, visitors don't easily change our perception and attitudes on important issues since we're a fiercely principled people. Personally, I have not been invited. All the same, I wish them well on their tour of the region.”
Nyando MP Jared Okelo and his Homa Bay Town counterpart also confirmed they have not received any invitation even though the President will be visiting their constituencies.
“In Homa Bay, he is going to open a UDA office in my constituency but I have not been informed,” Kaluma said.