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Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration’s plans to deploy 1,000 police officers to combat criminal gangs and restore security in Haiti.

In a statement on Wednesday, the county boss expressed concerns over fresh ethnic attacks reported in Sondu, along the Kisumu-Kericho border.

Accusing security agencies of laxity in taming the crisis, Orengo said President William Ruto’s regime must take responsibility for the deaths reported in the area.

“What is happening in Sondu is plain genocide driven by state terror. The regime must take direct responsibility. What’s the point of going to Haiti when you cannot protect life and property within your borders?” Orengo posed.

What is happening in Sondu is plain genocide driven by state terror. The regime must take direct responsibility. What’s the point of going to Haiti when you cannot protect life and property within your borders?

— James Orengo (@orengo_james) October 4, 2023

Earlier, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o condemned Tuesday night attacks in Sondu market which left three people dead.

In a statement, Nyong’o termed the attacks as unfortunate, coming at a time when President Ruto is scheduled to tour the Nyanza region.

“It is very unfortunate that on the eve of the President’s visit to our region, some upstarts last night instigated ethnic clashes in Sondu, along the Kisumu-Kericho border,” Nyong’o said.

“It is reported that last night, gangs armed with bows and arrows crossed over the border from Kericho to attack residents in and around Sondu markert, stealing cattle and killing three people. We condemn this barbaric behaviour and call upon the national government to swiftly apprehend the criminals and ensure justice is done to the affected families.”

Several people were injured during the night attack with a house torched by the attackers.

The attack happened in East Kadiang’a Location in Upper Nyakach Division.

Meanwhile, at least 1,000 Kenyan police officers will be heading to Haiti after Kenya’s offer to lead the mission received a nod from the United Nations Security Council.

On Monday, October 2, 2023, in New York, the UN’s top organ, with a recorded vote of 13 in favour and 2 abstentions from Russia and China, voted to approve the security mission to the Carribean country.

The council also authorized the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to help secure critical infrastructure and transit hubs such as airports, ports, schools, hospitals, and key intersections.

President Ruto on Tuesday said he was confident the mission would succeed.

“The situation in Haiti demands, as a matter of humanitarian consideration, moral responsibility and fundamental justice, that actions be scaled up significantly to meet the demands of emergency relief, humanitarian aid, support for livelihoods and major interventions in public health and environmental protection,” the president said.

“…We shall succeed in Haiti. We must not fail the people of Haiti,” he added.