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National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) yesterday started investigations into remarks by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot over the Kisumu-Kericho border dispute.

NCIC commissioner Philip Okundi said the agency has taken up the matter following rising tension among traders and residents of Sondu township. 

Last weekend, Cheruiyot claimed that Sondu township belongs to Kericho county, while cautioning Kisumu revenue officers against harassing traders at the busy border market.

But Okundi said the sentiments made by the senator were detrimental to the peaceful coexistence between different communities residing in the area.

He said NCIC is undertaking investigations with a view to taking necessary action saying that the commission is currently recording statements that could aid the investigations, adding that the Senator would be summoned to clarify his remarks.

“The market we have known for a long time to be between Kericho and Kisumu counties and people have lived there peaceful for many years. It is not time for political leaders to initiate careless talks that could jeopardise this cohesion.

We must talk within the law and framework of peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Promote peace 

Speaking during a youth sensitisation forum in Kisumu yesterday, he reiterated that the commission is keen on taming politicians, who are perpetrating hate speech as the country gears up towards next year’s General Election.

The former Rangwe MP reminded politicians to be sensitive and shun statements that may breed violence.

His remarks came even as local leaders in Kisumu led by Senator Fred Outa and some MCAs raised concerns over the statements made by the senator. The leaders called for sobriety regarding the matter. 

Okundi, who was flanked by commissioner Dorcas Kedogo, said NCIC is committed to ensuring the prevailing peace is sustained ahead of  next year’s polls , while cautioning politicians against making utterances that could cause anarchy.

He told the youths to be wary of being misused by politicians to cause violence every electioneering period, while urging them to promote peace instead.