Civilians in possession of illegal firearms in insecurity prone areas of Mukogodo forest in Laikipia and the adjacent counties of Isiolo, Meru have been urged to surrender them while those defying the order to be forcefully disarmed.
Speaking in Nanyuki , Laikipia County yesterday, commissioner Onesmus Kyatha, during a high level meeting organized by Northern Rangeland Trust(NRT) , a local organization that brought together top security officials and conservancy leaders from the three counties, said that Mukogodo forest was a notorious criminal hideout.
‘’The government has issued an amnesty on surrender of illegal firearms, when time elapses, we will do force disarmament. We call on community elders to urge those in possession of them to surrender willingly,” Warned Kyatha.
He revealed that armed bandits retreated there after conducting criminal activities elsewhere including livestock theft, however, to counter the threat , the government had intensified its operations by beefing up security through additional deployment of Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), GSU police officers and setting up a security camp in Kirimon, Laikipia north.
‘’We had challenges in Mukogodo forest, when there is a cattle raid in Meru, Isiolo or Laikipia; they are driven in that forest by bandits. We have to find a lasting solution of the deep-rooted conflicts. The government on its part has intensified security through deployment of additional police officers,” noted the CC.
At the same time, he also highlighted surge of cattle rustling during cultural initiation ceremonies in pastoral areas, calling on community elders to reject such crimes.
NRT CEO Tom Lalampaa reaffirmed his organization’s partnership with the State to combat livestock theft, which he had said fueled widespread instability in some parts of Northern Kenya.
‘’It’s evident that there is a lot of livestock raiding within our communities; we have to address it. As an organization, we are complementing the government’s effort of dealing with insecurities in our landscape,” said Lalampaa.
Lalampaa emphasized that lasting peace was important for regional development which had been undermined by insecurity.He underscored the need for working closely with community conservancies in the region for timely updates on security threats.
By Muturi Mwangi
