Heavy Presence of Police Officers in Keroka
Nyamira and Kisii residents have engaged in battlefield stone-blowing as the situation is deteriorating over the Kisii and Nyamira Keroka town boundaries.
The anti-riot police in Keroka, Kisii-Nyamira Border, were forced to use teargas to disperse residents who had been engaging each other over the Keroka town boundary row.
Chaos ensued on the morning of Sunday, the 3rd, as unknown assailants vandalized stalls, intensifying the already tense situation. Both county governments’ enforcement officers engaged in broad daylight stone-throwing clashes, prompting a swift response from law enforcement agencies.
Both county governments, Askaris, engaged in broad daylight fierce stone blowing. Businesses were closed down within the shortest possible time. Police officers were ferried to the location to contain the fierce situation as both Nyamirans and Kisii marked their territories.
Kisii County Police Commander, Charles Kasses, had not yet arrived at the scene by the time of this publication, leaving the situation unchecked. The conflict originated during revenue collection efforts by county officials from both regions.
The row erupted as county officials from both counties were collecting revenues, but the plans were thwarted.
Charles Okiambe, a businessman in Keroka, has recounted that the situation is troublesome and not conducive.
“It is not conducive for anybody here at the Keroka. There is a lot of wrangling and chaos; tear gas is all over; people are tear gassed; shops closed; stalls demolished.’’ Said Charles Okiambe.
He, however, encouraged both countries to unite, adding, “We request that both governments stop these shenanigans. We are people from one community; we wish to engage in chaos but development agendas, why the chaos in this area, Please let us bring peace.’’ Okiambe urged.
Hillary Kennedy, a resident of Keroka, highlighted the economic losses suffered by the town due to the unrest.
“This town has great growth potential, but today we have lost a significant amount of money. It’s a market day, and parents were busy shopping for pupils and students for back-to-school,” lamented Kennedy.
Senator Okongo Omogeni, Nyamira County, arrived in troubled Keroka to appeal for peace and unity. Omogeni urged the communities to unite, emphasizing their shared identity as Omogusii people. He called upon the county leaders to intervene and resolve the ongoing dispute.
Omogeni, however, has urged the county bosses to come in and solve the unending row sparking out in Keroka.
“Our governors, we should be able to come together, bring our people together, and have a conversation that can allow a peaceful coexistence between the two counties. It will be a shame for our forefathers, and for the leaders who have led the community before. If they see this kind of tension between the two communities,’’ Omogeni says.
However, the senior counsel While acknowledging the economic and personal losses incurred, he stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law.
“There are many people from the community that have lost an opportunity to do business. The county has also lost income. We should be people who respect the rule of law, even if we are unable to agree between me and my neighbor on my boundary. If I go to court and the court decides, we should be able to respect that decision. That’s the only way.’’ Sen. Omogeni says.
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