Laikipia County Commissioner Duncan Muyesu has issued an ultimatum to all illegal firearm holders in Laikipia to surrender them immediately to authorities.
Muyesu noted that proliferation of illegal guns had resulted in the deterioration of peace and security in the area, observing that the arms were being used by criminals to wreak havoc in the area.
Speaking during celebrations to mark this year’s Jamhuri Day at Matanya grounds in Tigithi ward, the CC warned that failure to surrender the firearms would result in a fierce security operation to ensure that the guns are recovered by authorities.
He however did not give the timelines for the surrender or when the security operation would be conducted.
“We cannot have peace when these illegal guns are in the hands of a few people, whether they are from our county or neighbouring areas, we have to get them. Therefore, those who have them are advised to surrender them immediately. Soon, authorities will conduct a major mop-up activity in the affected areas,” Muyesu told the gathering.
The CC, however, noted that Laikipia was largely a peaceful area, but only a few criminals, especially from neighbouring counties, who invaded the area to graze their livestock and thus started harassing locals through banditry.
“As a county, we have no problem with our neighbours coming in to graze their cows and goats because we have plenty of pasture, but we shall not allow anyone to turn Laikipia into a bandit zone,” he warned.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, who also graced the function, cautioned residents against being divided along political affiliations by politicians seeking to be elected.
“Those shouting ‘one term, ‘two terms, or ‘zero terms, let all realise that this is our county, and therefore we should not let ourselves be divided by politics. When the time comes for politics, let us play mature and peaceful,” Irungu advised.
The governor announced a raft of development activities lined up by his administration early next year in all 15 wards in the county.
“Starting this January and much of February next year, we shall be going round launching completed projects and also inspecting the ongoing ones to ensure prompt service delivery to the citizens,” he said.
By Martin Munyi
