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Bandits in Kerio Valley surrender illegal firearms
Suspected criminals in Kerio Valley have taken advantage of an amnesty and surrendered guns and bullets to the police.
The ongoing security operations in the volatile Kerio Valley are bearing fruit, as four of the most wanted criminals have surrendered to the police and handed over their guns.
The bandits handed the weapons over at Tot and Chesongoch police stations on Friday, bringing to 10 the number of guns and bullets surrendered by suspected armed criminals in the region over the past month.
“More bandits are expected to voluntarily hand over illegal weapons to escape the ongoing operation and become peace ambassadors,” said Peter Mulinge, the Elgeyo Marakwet police boss.
The Kerio Valley region has long been known as a hotspot for banditry and cattle raids, which have led to loss of life and property.
“Security patrols have been intensified to deal with any act of lawlessness that has claimed scores of lives and displacement of hundreds of families,” added Mr Mulinge.
Abdullahi Khalif, the West Pokot County Commissioner, said the handover of the weapons was a significant step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
“These firearms are operational and pose a serious threat to the prevailing peace in the region. We thank those who voluntarily surrendered them and urge others to do the same before the amnesty window closes,’’ said Mr Khalif.
County Police Commander Abdullahi Jire said that illegal firearms fuel insecurity and should be surrendered to the police.
Pokot Central Deputy Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo credited the recovery of the weapons to the collaboration between the county security team, local chiefs, and community elders.
West Pokot County Director for Peace, Reverend Jackson Alukusia, thanked the county security team for their efforts in enhancing security in the region.
He urged those who still possess illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty and surrender them.
