West Pokot residents told to surrender illegal firearms

West Pokot Deputy County Commissioner Khaliff Abdulahi, who has warned residents with illegal guns to surrender them or be forcibly disarmed. PHOTO | OSCAR KAKAI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Areas worst hit by insecurity are Kaakong, Kambi Kayara, Lami Nyeusi, Kainuk and Kalimorock.
  • Insecurity in the area is derailing the ongoing construction of the Kitale-Lodwar highway.
  • Mr Khalif warned criminals wreaking havoc in the region that their days are numbered.

West Pokot residents in possession of illegal firearms have been ordered to surrender them or face forcible disarmament.

Deputy County Commissioner Khaliff Abdulahi has raised concerns over the rise in highway robberies and raids along the borders of West Pokot, Turkana and Elgeyo-Markwet counties.

The administrator said the government is conducting security operations in Baringo and Laikipia counties and that it will soon extend the same to the borders of West Pokot, Turkana and Elgeyo-Marakwet.

Mr Khaliff said areas worst hit by insecurity are Kaakong, Kambi Kayara, Lami Nyeusi, Kainuk and Kalimorock along the Kitale-Lodwar highway.

He said the government has stepped up patrols in the region by posting Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers along the highway between Orwa and Kainuk.

PEACE FORUM

Mr Khaliff, who spoke on Sunday during a peace forum in Kapenguria Town, said insecurity is derailing the ongoing construction of the Kitale-Lodwar highway.

“We will deal firmly with those posing a security threat along the A1 highway. We will rest at nothing until we wipe out all the criminal elements along the route,” warned the administrator.

The peace forum brought together the Pokot Council of Elders, chiefs and religious leaders, among other stakeholders.

It was aimed at seeking a lasting solution to the perennial banditry menace in the region.

Mr Khalif warned criminals wreaking havoc in the region that their days are numbered.

“We want you to take a message to citizens that the government will not condone any form of lawlessness in the name of cattle rustling and other outdated cultural practices,” said the administrator.