President Kenyatta warns criminals to hand in guns

President Kenyatta inspects a recruits' guard of honour during a graduation ceremony at the General Service Unit in Embakasi, Nairobi on April 24, 2014. PHOTO | PSCU

What you need to know:

  • The President thanked those who had surrendered their weapons, saying his government planned to rehabilitate them to ensure they become productive and do away with crime
  • Mr Kenyatta reminded Kenyans that his administration has been committed in fighting all kinds of crime and that he would not relent on the campaign to ensure the country remained secure

President Kenyatta on Thursday appealed to bandits and other criminals with arms to surrender them to the police to avoid being arrested in the ongoing security operation.

“If you fear handing over the guns to the law enforcement agents, please surrender the weapons through the clergy or village elders, and no action will be taken against you,” the Head of State said during a graduation ceremony at the General Service Unit in Embakasi, Nairobi.

The President thanked those who had surrendered their weapons, saying his government planned to rehabilitate them to ensure they become productive and do away with crime.

CRACKDOWN

Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku had in his speech said the crackdown, which has been going on for the last few weeks, was targeting cattle rustlers, illegal foreigners and extremists who have been perpetrating terrorist attacks.

He told the President and Deputy President William Ruto that the operation was being frustrated by some religious leaders and rights groups who accuse security agencies of targeting some communities.

“This is a diversionary tactic, which will not deter us from ensuring security in our borders,” Mr Lenku said.

However, Mr Kenyatta reminded Kenyans that his administration has been committed in fighting all kinds of crime and that he would not relent on the campaign to ensure the country remained secure.