CS Machogu summons Governor Arati, MP Osoro over violence incidents in Kisii

The violence erupted at two separate events organised by Governor Arati on January 6 and January 8.

During the January 6 incident, Arati was attending a funeral in South Mugirango when individuals with alleged ties to MP Osoro disrupted the event openly firing arrows at mourners, despite the presence of police.

Machogu has therefore said that following the concerning cases, local leaders have agreed to hold a consultative meeting and iron out any ongoing tiffs.

The CS said the meeting shall take place on January 17 at a venue that shall be communicated in due course.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has welcomed the invite, noting that talks should be held to uphold peace in the county.

He has also urged the respective parties to honour the summons and "give reconciliation a chance".

"We as leaders can disagree on principle but when violence hits in then we lose our credibility as the representatives of the people. Development can't thrive amidst too much noise and violence, progress cannot be a priority in chaos and disorder," Onyonka said in a statement on Sunday.

The violence cases have attracted censure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which called for the immediate transfer of Kisii County Police Commander Charles Kasses.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna argued that Mr Kasses and officers under his command reportedly turned a blind eye to the violence that erupted at the two events.