Return stolen guns, Lenku warns raiders
What you need to know:
- Cattle rustlers failed to heed initial directive after over 40 police officers were killed in attack
The government has once again given cattle raiders in Baragoi division, Samburu County an ultimatum to return guns they stole from police officers or face forceful disarmament.
Interior Secretary Joseph ole Lenku warned on Saturday that security forces would embark on the disarmament in the community after two weeks.
Forty-eight guns were stolen by Turkana raiders late last year during a confrontation with a team of security agents who were pursuing stolen animals.
During the battle that came to be known as the Baragoi Massacre, more than 40 officers were killed.
After the attack, the government issued a similar ultimatum but the stolen guns were not returned.
A team of police officers have pitched tent in Baragoi apparently to prevent revenge by the Samburu community whose livestock were stolen by their Turkana neighbours.
“You have played around with security matters so much. But for this one, you have no option. You must return the guns and peace must be prevail in Samburu,” Mr Lenku, who was visiting Baragoi for the first time since his appointment, said.
Security Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo, Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo and other prominent leaders from the Samburu and Turkana communities accompanied the minister.
And he warned: “Failure to return the guns will compel the government to act and that will be destructive and painful.”
Time for dialogue
However, politicians from both communities requested more time to consult with the locals before the government stepped in.
“We are requesting the Cabinet Secretary to give us a little more time to engage our people in a bid to find other ways to end rustling” said Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok said equitable use of available resources in the region and developing infrastructure such as roads and power may be the solution.
But Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro stressed the government’s commitment to end cattle rustling.
Other leaders present were: Nominated Senator Naisula Lesuuda and MPs Christopher Nakuleu (Turkana North), Protus Akucha (Loima), Nicholas Nyigor (Turkana East), Jonathan Lati (Samburu West), James Lomenen (Turkana South) and Samburu Women Representative Maison Leshoomo.
