Kenyan bandits refuse to turn over illicit weapons

An effort by the Kenyan government to arm warring parties in the volatile Rift Valley is moving slowly. According to media accounts, only three illegal firearms were turned in during a three-day amnesty period encouraging people to turn them in. A local politician was detained by Kenyan police for reportedly financing bandits and cattle rustlers who caused havoc in the area.

To combat the persistent violence in the Rift Valley, Kenyan government soldiers began an operation this week. Communities frequently fight one other over grazing pasture and animals, which is made worse by the prolonged, severe drought.

Only three guns had been given in by Thursday night as a result of the first stage, a three-day amnesty for people to surrender illicit weapons.

Police and local authorities declined to comment on VOA’s demands for them.
After decades of violence in the area, North Rift Valley communities, according to Kenyan security analyst George Musamali, cannot readily put up their firearms.

When you look at these communities, you will see that they have been responsible for their own security. It entered with dangers. There is no sign of the government there, “said Musamali. “Until the mission is completed, they would want to keep the weapons. They can then carry on leading their normal lives once the security forces have left the area because the government has not provided any solutions to the region’s ongoing security issues.

Following the conclusion of the amnesty period on Friday, a security operation to disarm the communities got under way.

David Pkosing, a member of parliament for Pokot South, was taken into custody by agents from Kenya’s Directorate of Investigation on Thursday. He was suspected of providing funding for banditry in West Pokot County.

READ ALSO: Children Rescued in West Africa by International Force

After being later freed, the politician refuted accusations that he had helped the thieves.

Pkosing is being defended by solicitor Danstan Omari. He claims that his client would show up at the criminal investigation unit’s offices to answer more inquiries about how he came by his fortune.

We decided to accompany him there at 4 PM today so he could answer to those accusations because we had heard that they had enlarged them “said Omari. “They now want us to reply to claims that the MP is involved in money laundering, they want to take a picture of his helicopter, and they also want to know how he has benefited from banditry, namely the business side of it.

Pkosing claimed to VOA that some politicians from competing villages who were closer to the government were urging the authorities to take action against him and his group.

He asserts that the government must establish a plan allowing the rival groups to freely migrate and feed their livestock around the area.

“We want the government to take a systemic approach. Let’s give the Turkanas, Samburus, Pokots, and Marakwets permission to, “replied Pkosing. “Let’s establish order over access to grass and water throughout this entire area where there is hardship. Conflict cannot exist if there is order, yet there is none at the moment.

Animal theft has caused tension and conflict amongst the communities in Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Laikipia, and Turkana.

The government is being urged by experts to alter its strategy for addressing the banditry danger and start enhancing the quality of life for the communities by building roads, schools, and water sources as well as encouraging the population to start farming as an additional source of revenue.