Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai (r) arriving for a meeting with residents at Loturerei in Turkana countyTurkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has declared support for the ongoing disarmament exercise in parts of the county even as he urged security agencies to follow the law and uphold human rights.
Lomorukai said security officers deployed to mop
up illegal firearms must respect the rights and dignity of residents,
particularly women, while carrying out the exercise.
"We have no problem with the disarmament, but it has to be done with full adherence to the law," he said.
He spoke during an empowerment programme for
the Atoting'as Kaapei Women Group in the Loturerei area.
The disarmament exercise was ordered more than
two months ago by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to curb persistent banditry and insecurity in the region.
Lomorukai's backing is a departure from his earlier position, when he criticised the operation, saying it was targeting
innocent residents instead of illegal firearm holders.
At the time, the governor alleged that respected religious leaders were among those being harassed by security agencies over claims that they possessed illegal firearms.
He had argued that the operation amounted to political persecution rather than a genuine security exercise and called for its suspension.
"This is not a disarmament exercise but
political persecution against certain individuals, including those known to be
supporters of the government," he said then.
Lomorukai spoke during a
church service at Kapsang in Uasin Gishu county attended by Deputy President
Kithure Kindiki and governors Stephen Sang (Nandi), Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo
Marakwet) and Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu).
Speaking at the Loturerei event, the governor said he was committed to addressing persistent water shortages
affecting Loturerei and Napetao in Kanamkemer ward.
He said the county will explore funding options to extend piped water to the two areas after attempts to drill boreholes were unsuccessful because of high salinity levels.
Lomorukai directed Kanamkemer MCA James Ikeny to work closely with technical officers to ensure adequate resources are allocated for the proposed water supply project.
The governor said his administration has also made progress in promoting cross-border peace since taking office in 2022, adding that improved security has enhanced the livelihoods of pastoralists living along the county's borders.
He said the county is focused on programmes that directly improve residents' lives, particularly in peace-building, livestock development, food security and access to water.
