President William Ruto, during the commencement of his four-day tour of the Nyanza region in Kisumu, has vowed to restore peace and order in the Sondu area, which has been plagued by a violent conflict along the Kisumu-Kericho border.
Addressing the issue, the president declared an uncompromising stance on those responsible for inciting the Sondu conflict, likening the government’s approach to how it deals with Al-Shabaab militants and conflict instigators in the North Rift.
Ruto stressed that tribal conflicts would not be tolerated in the country, and those found guilty would face the full weight of the law.
He further disclosed that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure had been directed to address the Sondu conflict and its instigators.
In a radical move, Kindiki ordered the transfer of all security chiefs in Sondu town, situated along the Kisumu-Kericho border, as part of efforts to contain criminal activities in the area.
Additionally, the government has deployed specialist security personnel to curb the escalation of violent crime in Sondu Town and its surroundings.
During the first day of his tour, President Ruto initiated the construction of the Kabonyo-Kanyagwal Fisheries and Aquaculture Center of Excellence, where he pledged to uplift the economic prospects of the local community through targeted initiatives.
He specifically highlighted the need to address challenges in the fishing and sugar industries, which have traditionally driven the regional economy.
The president revealed that the government is in the process of constructing eight fish landing sites at a cost of 900 million shillings, with construction set to conclude within the next year. Furthermore, the first phase of the construction of 5,000 housing units in Kisumu, involving the engagement of 7,000 young people, is scheduled to be launched by December.
During his four-day tour, President Ruto will undertake various activities, including commissioning the Lake Basin Mall, launching MV Uhuru 2, initiating the upgrading of the Bondo-Uyawi-Kibanga-Liunda road to bitumen standards, inaugurating the Mfangano Ring Road in Suba North, launching the construction of the Ugenya Level 4 Hospital, unveiling the Mutumbu Digital Lab in Gem, initiating the construction of the Sindo-Karungu-Mbita road, visiting Victory Fish Farms in Sindo, and commencing the rehabilitation of piers in Homa Bay.
