Isiolo MCA asks govt to engage pastoralists over illegal firearm registration

A leader from Isiolo County has asked the government to roll out civic education programmes after starting the initiative to register illegally acquired firearms across the country.

Burat Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Paul Mero said this would ensure that pastoralists understand the importance of the process and cooperate with government.

Mr Mero warned that the programme was likely not to succeed if the public was not actively engaged.

The programme, which was launched by Deputy President William Ruto in Turkana County, will regulate and monitor all registered firearms held by individuals.

Mr Mero said pastoralist communities had begun arming themselves ahead of drought season.

“Increased insecurity cases will only serve to undermine the gains brought by the Vision 2030 flagship projects being rolled out in Isiolo County. We must encourage communities to surrender illegal firearms before the realisation of the massive investments,” the ward representative said.

Mr Mero reiterated that for faster development to be realised, communities in the county should embrace peaceful coexistence.

The government has warned of stern action against those who will not heed the directive to surrender all firearms in wrong hands.

Those who surrender the guns for registration will remain with them and will be paid a maintenance fee by the Government besides being closely monitored so as not to engage in acts of violence.