President William Ruto has broken his silence for the first time after Azimio la Umoja blamed the Sondu killings on leaders from his ruling Coalition, Kenya Kwanza.
Speaking in Siaya County when his Nyanza tour kicked off on Friday, the Head of State revealed that he had directed Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to carry out conclusive investigations and arraigned the suspects in court.
He further indicated that the state will deal with the suspect ruthlessly with the same intensity meted on Al Shabaab in Somalia and bandits in Baringo.
"There are people taking us back by pitting communities and neighbours against each other. I have already directed Interior CS Kithure Kindiki that just like we are dealing with North Rift bandits and Alshabaab, the gangs in Sondu will face the full force of the law," declared the Head of State.
"We do not want ethnic rivalry. We live in one Kenya and the government is here to serve all Kenyans. I have directed Kindiki to ensure that everyone who led to the death of citizens must be arrested and arraigned."
Ruto's declaration comes a day after Azimio la Umoja, headed by Raila Odinga, laid the blame of the attacks squarely on leaders allied to the ruling party.
The clashes broke out on the night of Thursday and led to the death of seven individuals while several sustained injuries.
"Big names are behind this violence. They include leaders and politicians in neighbouring counties and in the national government," the statement read in part.
"The violence currently going on in Sondu is not an ordinary disagreement between villagers," added the statement.
On Thursday, Kindiki deployed a contingent of specialist security personnel to contain the escalation of violent crime in Sondu Town and its environs.
He further indicated that the police bosses who had earlier been stationed at the border town were transferred to pave the way for investigations against them.
"In the meantime, it has been decided to transfer all local security heads on both sides of the border and other security and public officers whose want of effectiveness, impartiality and/or competence is deemed to have resulted in the success of the criminals," Kindiki declared.
