Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has urged security agencies to swiftly investigate skirmishes on the Kisumu–Kericho border and ensure those behind the violence are held accountable.
He said those financing or deploying illegal groups involved in the clashes must be individually held responsible for their actions.
“Security agencies must move swiftly to investigate these reports and ensure those financing or deploying such illegal groups are held individually accountable and made to pay for their deeds,” Nyong’o said.
The governor’s remarks follow escalating tensions and reported skirmishes in Thesalia, Bogwo and Bangla on the Kisumu and Kericho counties border in Muhoroni subcounty.
The clashes have affected members of the Koguta clan, leaving one person dead and three others fighting for their lives in hospital.
Nyong’o said the county government was deeply concerned by the violence in the area.
While reaffirming the county’s support for the revival and long-term sustainability of the sugar industry as a key pillar of the local economy, the governor warned the rights of residents must not be violated in the name of protecting investor interests.
“The county government firmly supports the revival of the sugar industry as a cornerstone of our local economy. However, we cannot and will not stand by as the rights of our citizens are trampled through intimidation, violence or extrajudicial actions in the guise of pursuing the interests of an investor in the sugar industry,” he said.
Nyong’o clarified the disputed land was lawfully allocated to the Koguta clan by the National Land Commission, and that decision was later affirmed by the High Court.
“The National Land Commission lawfully allocated this land to the Koguta clan. That administrative decision was subsequently subjected to judicial scrutiny and affirmed by the High Court of Kenya,” he said.
Nyong,o said members of the clan are therefore not squatters or intruders but lawful beneficiaries of land restored through legal processes.
The governor also condemned reports of hired militia and goons allegedly being used to intimidate residents and elders, saying such actions are unacceptable in a country governed by the rule of law.
Nyong’o said the absence of clear physical demarcation of the land has worsened the tensions.
He said he has written to the Ministry of Lands requesting urgent technical support, including surveying and beaconing the land, facilitating its subdivision in line with the directive issued by the National Land Commission, and ensuring orderly settlement of the rightful beneficiaries.
