County commissioner issues two-week ultimatum for illegal firearms surrender

The government has issued a two-week ultimatum to people in illegal possession of firearms to surrender them.

Speaking on during the 5th Edition of the Kenya Public–Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue (MSMEs Connect) in Lodwar, County Commissioner Julius Kavita said security agencies will conduct forceful disarmament after the two weeks lapse.

"We are appealing to those in possession of firearms illegally to take them to the chiefs who will hand them over to the police, failure to which we shall come for them. The culprits will not be spared either," warned Kavita.

The warning comes as the government conducts an operation in Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu, among other banditry-prone areas.

Kavita said the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for traders, transporters and passengers.

The county has enjoyed relative calm since the operation began, with zero incidents of cattle rustling and highway robbery reported in the last two weeks.

Kavita attributed this to the operation, saying the government will not relent in dealing with criminal elements sabotaging peace efforts.

Insecurity had threatened economic activities in the region, including the proposed mega irrigation project along the Turkana–West Pokot border, which seeks to boost food security.

Additionally, oil exploration and development has faced insecurity challenges, if residents' concerns during the public participation exercise are anything to go by.

Some residents warned that oil production would not take place until insecurity is addressed.

When he visited the county last month, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would deal firmly with bandits.