Kenya has deployed a contingent of specialised police units to contain the escalating communal clashes in western town of Sondu, along the border of Kericho and Kisumu counties.

Seven people have died and several others displaced in the fresh clashes that started on Wednesday.

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said that local security chiefs from both Kisumu and Kericho would be transferred following the clashes.

"Lives have been lost, property destroyed and civil order grossly undermined during the past two days," Mr Kindiki said.

Local leaders have called for the urgent resolution of a border dispute between the warring communities.

Three people were killed in similar attacks in July.

Sondu town has a history of deadly ethnic violence during election cycles.