Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyongo has condemned the three-day conflict witnessed in the area bordering Kisumu and Kericho counties that has led to the death of two people. The conflict is said to have erupted due to alleged livestock theft.

The Governor has said that Hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes in Jimo and Kasaye areas due to attacks, indicating that several people have been injured, houses burnt and property of unknown value destroyed.

The Governor has urged Kericho politicians to hold barazas and ask their people to lay down their arms to give peace a chance, adding that Kisumu leaders are already engaging locals to embrace peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.

Nyong’o lamented that economic activities in his county had been adversely affected due to the conflict.

He however pointed an accusing finger at the Ministry of Interior for what he termed as inaction despite reports that tensions between the two communities at the common border began to rise three days ago.

“If it was about stock theft, where were the officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Police Unit, stationed not far away from the border? Have they arrested the culprits?” he posed.

Meanwhile, governor Nyong’o has urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to immediately deploy to the conflict zone to help restore peace and find a long-term solution to the ongoing conflict.

In July this year, two people lost their lives, and 15 were injured during similar clashes at the Kisumu-Kericho border at Sondu.

At the time, Interior CS Kindiki announced that he had deployed police officers to the region to de-escalate the situation.

Nyong’o, who expressed his condolences to the two families, says security forces must restore order in the area.