Seven Dead as Clashes Resume in Sondu

Amidst the chaos of a war-torn area, women and young men sought refuge on the roadside, desperately pleading for assistance from security officers.

In the span of just 24 hours, at least seven lives were tragically claimed by attackers from the neighbouring Kericho County. This brutal assault comes shortly after another individual fell victim to arrow wounds in Sondu town, located on the border of Kisumu and Kericho. Mr Obat, a victim of the ongoing clashes in Sondu, vividly recalls the moment he lost consciousness. The violence erupted on a Wednesday night when gangs armed with bows and arrows infiltrated the border from Kericho and relentlessly assaulted the terrified residents in and around the Sondu market.

In the early hours of the day, teachers in the vicinity sounded alarm bells about potential attacks on nearby schools. This was in response to one of their own being subjected to an act of violence. Zablon Awange, the executive secretary of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) in Kisumu County, has accused the police of neglecting their duty. He highlights a recent attack on Joseph Omonge, a former deputy at a nearby school, who was severely injured by arrows. Among those who lost their lives in the clashes was a Form Four graduate awaiting admission to university.

As evening approached, tensions remained high in the Sondu market, the epicentre of the clashes. Throughout the day, a robust police force had been stationed in the area while armed individuals wielding machetes, bows, and arrows could be spotted lining the Kisumu-Kisii highway. However, local leaders are dissatisfied with their leaders’ inaction in response to the significant border conflicts troubling the Nyakach sub-county. Frustrated residents now gather on the road to express concerns and demand greater attention towards the mounting insecurity problem.

Residing in Sondu, Larry Otieno appeals to the national government to promptly tackle the frequent loss of lives and injuries arising from the conflicts. Interestingly, these battles coincide with President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to the region which commences on Friday. The clashes have been denounced and an urgent plea made to the national government to promptly apprehend the perpetrators so as to procure justice for those affected.