President William Ruto has announced a voluntary disarmament exercise for the North Rift region, starting Tuesday. In a statement to the press, Ruto declared that the banditry issue in the area needs to be tackled head-on and that the surrender of firearms will be a crucial first step.
However, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya cast doubt on the government’s latest plan to collect firearms from citizens, predicting a lackluster response. The governor shared his concerns about the effectiveness of the three-day surrender initiative. “I don’t expect a flood of firearms to be surrendered in such a short period,” he said. “People will likely wait for others to make the first move before deciding to turn in their weapons.”
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki declared Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu counties as “disturbed” and “dangerous,” following the killing of five people in Turkana’s Kainuk area, including three police officers. Kindiki also ordered all persons across the country holding illegal firearms and/or ammunition to surrender them immediately or face the full force of the law.
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As the situation in the North Rift reaches boiling point, the government has determined it to be a national emergency, requiring “painful and decisive measures.” But with the governor skeptical and residents potentially unwilling to surrender their firearms, will this voluntary disarmament exercise be enough to restore order to the region?
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest developments from the front lines of the North Rift’s battle against banditry.
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