Nyakach parliamentary hopeful Jonathan Okoth Opande has called on the government to urgently resolve the long-running Kisumu-Kericho border dispute in Sondu to end persistent cattle rustling and restore peace in the area.
Speaking during the Nyakach Cultural Day and Women Empowerment event hosted by RMS journalist Trevor Ombija in West Nyakach Ward on Friday, Opande urged the government to address the border dispute once and for all.
He also called on Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot to work with leaders from Kisumu County to find a lasting solution to the conflict, which has periodically triggered tensions and cattle theft along the Sondu border.
“While we are in the broad-based government, we are asking the government to give us a clear border so that we can end cattle rustling and the Kisumu-Kericho border conflicts in Sondu town,” Opande said.
The parliamentary aspirant further appealed to the government, through President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, to prioritise the water needs of women in Nyakach, saying residents have endured a prolonged struggle due to inadequate access to clean and safe water.
Cheruiyot, who also spoke during the event, acknowledged that the Sondu border conflict had persisted for too long and should now be brought to an end.
The senator said the government would establish an anti-stock theft unit to combat cattle rustling along the Kisumu-Kericho border, warning suspected rustlers from Kericho against crossing into Kisumu County to steal livestock.
“I agree with your leaders that we should live in peace. Those cattle rustlers from my region, be warned. We are going to set up an anti-stock theft unit to stop the cattle rustling menace. Anybody who crosses the border from my community will have to meet the full force of the law. We need to live in peace as a people,” Cheruiyot said.
Cheruiyot also cautioned residents of Nyakach and members of the Luo community against participating in anti-government demonstrations, urging them instead to focus on development.
He argued that the Luo community had already “paid the price” through years of political confrontation and should now give other communities an opportunity to lead while supporting development initiatives being pursued by the government.
The remarks come amid renewed calls by leaders and residents along the Sondu border for a permanent solution to insecurity, cattle theft and recurring tensions between communities living on either side of the Kisumu-Kericho boundary.
