Narok County Commissioner, Kipkech Lotiatia, has called on residents of Transmara region to take advantage of the amnesty period granted by the government to surrender all illegally owned firearms, before the grace period lapses.
Kipkech observed that possession of illegal weapons poses a major threat to national peace and security of the local residents and the neighbouring communities.
He underscored that the situation is even more precarious especially in areas where rival communities are embroiled in frequent clashes.
The CC cautioned that once the reprieve period expires, the government will launch intensified security operations to recover the illegal firearms and those found in possession will face the full wrath of the law.
Further, Lotiatia stated that the government has offered such a window for the residents to return the weapons freely under no condition at all.
Therefore, those who defy this order will have themselves to blame upon expiry of the amnesty period, he added.
The CC noted that the illegal firearms have been at the centre of deadly conflicts, destruction of property, while instilling fear among the locals, hence hindering development.
He underscored the need to embrace peaceful coexistence at all times to enable local people improve their living standards.
The disarmament exercise follows renewed skirmishes at Ongata Barikoi in Transmara South, sparked by a protracted land dispute that prompted the intervention of government security agencies last week.
Lotiatia was addressing the residents during the Mashujaa day celebrations held at Sogoo Secondary School grounds in Narok South.
On his part, Narok governor, Patrick Ntutu, who was present during the function assured the residents of efforts towards having a permanent solution on the controversial Cheluget farm in Sagamian ward, owned by the late former Provincial Commissioner (PC) Isaiah Cheluget.
Ntutu said following successful negotiations with the Cheluget family, the two levels of government are working closely to see to it that the over 13,000 squatters occupying 5,800 acres of the land are settled in the pieces of land that they are currently living in.
by Emily Kadzo
