• Renewed clashes along the Kisumu-Kericho border have left at least seven people dead in a span of 24 hours.
• Residents have fled the war-tone area following Wednesday's pre-dawn attack which left several others hospitalised with injuries inflicted by arrows.
Image: FILE/FAITH MATETE
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has condemned the ongoing clashes in Sondu and accused 'big names' in the county and national governments of instigating the violence.
In a statement on Thursday, 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 in a span of 24 hours.
Residents have fled the war-tone area following Wednesday's pre-dawn attack which left several others hospitalised with injuries inflicted by arrows.
The dawn raid was so brazen such that the attackers continued raiding homes, setting others on fire in the full glare of security officers from both counties.
"The apparent bias, indifference and helplessness of security officers in the area as violence has raged clearly indicate that big names are behind the fighting and the mayhem," Azimio said.
The Raila Odinga-led political outfit said those behind the violence and mayhem must be identified, arrested and made to account for their actions.
"In particular, we demand that investigations be carried out against individuals who have been implicated as sponsors of this violence," they said.
"These leaders must abandon their expansionist tendency through which they are seeking to extend the boundary of Kericho County with a view to claiming Sondu town."
While assuring them of solidarity, Azimio asked residents from either side of the border to lay down their arms and embrace each other as brothers and sisters.
They also appealed to the residents to resist and reject those inciting them to violence and lawlessness.
"We are calling on the government to immediately bring the violence to an end and to provide round-the-clock security to the residents," Azimio said.
"Consequently, we are asking the government to provide support to the families that have been affected by this violence."
The border area is dotted by deserted homes, closed schools and clear roads as tension remains high.
The injured have been taken to St Joseph Nyabondo Hospital while others are at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.