By Peter K'opiyo
Charred remains of one of the lorries that ferried the goons to Miwani after being reduced to ashes by angry local residents.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has strongly rebuffed the chaos that took place in Miwani, Muhoroni constituency taking the better part of Wednesday.
“I wish to condemn in the strongest term possible today’s chaos in Miwani in which lives were lost and property destroyed,” said the county boss.
The governor further added that it was inappropriate for the public to take the law into their hands because there are authorities mandated to maintain peace, law, and order and arbitrate where there are conflicts.
The governor also said his heartfelt condolences to families and friends who had lost their loved ones in the fracas.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a quick recovery to those injured during the chaos,” stated the governor.
A section of the burnt sugarcane plantation in Miwani after the fracas that claimed two lives leaving many others injured.
Prof.Nyong’o appealed to the relevant authorities to carry out prompt investigations and reveal the root cause of the violence and legal action to be taken against the perpetrators.
“I appeal to the authorities to launch immediate investigations into the matter and bring to book those responsible,” declared the governor.
Miwani's 10,00-acre land dispute on Tuesday was occasioned by an ugly scene after unidentified people reported to have been hired by high-profile personalities failed to take over.
The land row began way back in 2000 when the sugar company was put in receivership.
Miwani Sugar Factory turned into a chaotic scene after two casual employees were harassed leading to the deaths of two of the suspected assailants.
Conflicts on the land were filed in the Land and Environment Court in Kisumu by local residents
However, the court's ruling handed the land to the Chenu family who is also the owners of Kibos Sugar Factory.
The court’s decision didn’t augur well with the residents as it raised more eyebrows on whether justice was really put into practice. This has also seen the delay in the implementation of the Special Economic Zone in the area.
Miwani Social Justice and Information Centre coordinator, Nicholas Mirema said that despite local residents appealing the court’s decision, a new verdict has not been given.
“The court ruling was appealed by the local residents and the verdict is yet to come,” he declared.
According to Mirema, the goons arrived at the scene in the morning in lorries fully packed to capacity.
“The goons arrived at the old Miwani factory at around 7.30 a.m with three lorries filled,” he stated.
Mirema adds that the goons earlier on managed to escape with laptops and stationery from the factory’s premises before siphoning fuel from the company’s yard.
The goons are said to have moved to the factory’s offices near Chemusoi Market in Aldai sub-county, Nandi where angry residents pounced on them denying them entry forcing them to flee for safety.
One of the lorries carrying the suspected goons successfully escaped as one lorry and the saloon car got stuck forcing those on board to scamper for safety. The enraged mob found a chance to attack them one by one as they tried to flee getting hold of some.
The lorry and a saloon car were burnt in front of the main factory in Chemusoi by the angry mob.
The center calls upon the government to help control the situation.
“We call upon the government to chip in and address the issue which is now a threat to the nearby communities across the borderline,” said Nicholas Mirema of Miwani SJIC.
Governor Nyong’o asked residents of Kisumu county to maintain peace and avoid being enticed into unlawful and life-risking activities. He also urged the residents to have respect for Human rights and ensure they abide by the constitution.
Muhoroni deputy county commissioner Benedict Munyuoki confirmed two deaths but clarified that there was no conflict between the two neighboring communities.
Content created and supplied by: Simon (via Opera News )
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