Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has affirmed that calm has been restored along the previously volatile border between Kisumu and Kericho counties.
Speaking in Nyakach Subcounty during the burial of the late Captain George Were, the PS said the region, which has historically experienced recurring conflicts, was now enjoying stability after a series of consultations involving government officials, community leaders and security agencies.
Omollo noted that the border area had for many years been plagued by cattle rustling, destruction of property and loss of lives, largely linked to long-standing disputes between communities living along the boundary.
“The Kisumu-Kericho border is one of the areas that has had trouble for a very long time. We have seen a lot of cattle rustling, a lot of lives lost and property being burnt down,” he said.
The PS commended leaders from both counties for their role in de-escalating tensions, saying their cooperation had made it easier for security agencies to restore peace.
“I want to thank the leadership of both counties, Kericho and Kisumu, including the Members of Parliament and the MCAs. You have made our work easy as those in the security sector because after several challenges and numerous meetings and engagements, we have now seen calm in this part of the country,” Omollo stated.
He urged residents and leaders to safeguard the peace that has been achieved, stressing that maintaining harmony in the region required collective responsibility.
“And I want to plead with you as leaders and people here, let us sustain and maintain that calmness and peace,” he added.
Nyakach, which sits along the border of the two counties, has in the past experienced periodic outbreaks of violence arising from ethnic tensions and boundary disputes.
The clashes, particularly around the Sondu market area, have historically involved cattle rustling, property destruction and, in some cases, fatalities.
The Sondu market straddles the administrative boundary between Sigowet-Soin in Kericho County and Nyakach in Kisumu County, making it a flashpoint whenever disputes arise between communities from the two regions.
Omollo said his office is working closely with local leaders, elders and security agencies to ensure that the peace achieved is sustained while addressing the deeper causes of the conflict.
“My office is working closely with local leaders, community elders and regional security agencies. Together we have made significant progress in pacifying these tensions while pursuing long-term solutions that strengthen dialogue, promote peaceful coexistence and address the underlying causes of conflict,” he said.
The PS also cautioned political leaders against engaging in incitement as the country gradually heads into the political season, emphasising that peace and responsible leadership must prevail.
“As the country gradually enters the political season, we continue to advocate for peace and responsible leadership. We also reaffirm the words of President William Ruto that we will not allow chaos, incitement or violence to define our political space,” Omollo said.
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