Armed civilians in ownership of unlicensed firearms in the Kerio Valley have disobeyed the government’s notice to surrender them.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that only 3 civilians had surrendered their firearms, two in Turkana and one in Baragoi Samburu county.
“On Thursday, February 15, 2023, the local Administrators and Opinion leaders within Pokot Central Sub-County recovered and surrendered three firearms to NPS. These included a Bren gun recovered from Loyapat Village in Turkana South,” the National Police Service said.
The Police recovered two firearms an ARX-200 Barreta and one at the Amarel Sub location within Pokot Central Sub-County.
Earlier, President William Ruto gave the ultimatum warning as he authorized the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to support NPS units in a multi-agency operation in the North Rift.
The decision to deploy KDF followed a sharp increase in cattle rustling and banditry attacks that have claimed the lives of 100 non-combat and at least sixteen police officers.
NPS noted a Multi-Agency Security crackdown against bandits had already started in the outlined counties of Turkana and Samburu.
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The National Police urged the non-combat to collaborate with the Security Agencies in efforts to clear bandits from the region.
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“We urge members of the public to collaborate with the security agencies in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the Disturbed and Dangerous Areas,” the NPS added in a statement.
The government on Monday, February 13, announced a joint Police and Military operation in order to kick out bandits causing terror in counties including; Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Laikipia, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
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