Residents of Marsabit County have been urged to brace themselves for a forceful disarmament set to kick off any time.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Isaiah Nakoru said Marsabit residents have failed to heed the 24-hour ultimatum issued on Friday to surrender illegal firearms and also return guns stolen from three security officers killed in a banditry attack in Jaldesa last Tuesday.
However, speaking at the Marsabit County Commissioner’s office after a lengthy security meeting on Saturday, Mr Nakoru assured citizens that the looming operation would be carried out humanly.
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“I am appealing to residents of this county to voluntarily surrender any firearm in their possession to the nearest relevant authorities as those caught up in the operation will not like it,” he said.
Mr Nakoru said that the killing of police officers was tantamount to declaring war against the government.
“This county is awash with illegal firearms and as a government, we are committed to restoring law and order thus a forceful disarmament was inevitable,” said Nakoru.
He said that it was the priority of government to safeguard and protect lives and property of its people hence the need to mop up illegal firearms.
The administrator said after seizing illegal firearms in Marsabit, the exercise will be extended to other counties, including Isiolo.
“We have had a very successful operation in Kitui County and it is our desire to extend the same to all parts of this region,” said Mr Nakoru.
Nakoru accused area leaders, including elected representatives, of failing to foster peace among local communities, but instead championing ethnicity under the guise of securing grazing resources.
Others present in the security meeting included Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Eastern region Eunice Kihiko and Marsabit County Commissioner Evans Achoki.
