Disarmament exercise in Kapedo continues as leaders call for further dialogue

BARINGO,Kenya, Mar, 23 – A day after interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i lifted the dawn to dusk curfew imposed in the volatile Kapedo region, area leaders say that illegal firearms under civilian custody must be surrendered for peace to be achieved.

It is the first step of many in a region that has made headlines for all the wrong reasons in the wake of a government led security operation where several people including civilians and police were killed and injured by suspected bandits.

53 firearms have so far been recovered through efforts of security personnel, chiefs, inter faith groups and elders.

“We do not know how you conduct your security operations but all we say is let us go round this region and preach peace. Give us one month and we will look for these illegal firearms.” West Pokot Governor, John Lonyangapuo.

Political leaders toured the volatile region Tuesday alongside administrative and religious leaders saying that though restrictions have been eased by the government, residents should be more vigilant  further urging them cooperate with security personnel. 

In the event of re-escalation of tension, the government has however warned that it will not hesitate to re-impose the curfew measures even as the surveillance of the volatile area remains heightened.

“Leaders have in recent weeks called for us to remove roadblocks in some of these area but then again, the attackers are still targeting security officers. We must be vigilant and ensure we recover these illegal firearms.” George Natembeya, Regional Commissioner, Rift valley.

Roadblocks continue to be maintained in Kapedo and Arabal with humanitarian personnel being granted access despite initial frustrations that they were unable to provide food aid and medical assistance to locals.

Natembeya warned that the region still has a long way to go in restoring peace, particularly since an estimated 50 thousand illegal firearms are in the possession of suspected bandits.

A scramble and control for resources has been attributed to the raging conflict between warring communities in the area, leaders however insist order and sanity must prevail.

“Guns do not kill people, it is the mindset which kills people, education is the key whether we agree as leaders or pokot community there comes a time where we are going to say it is a must we go to school.” Baringo senator Gideon Moi.

At least three police officers were killed in the area in January in an ambush prompting the government move to impose a curfew. 

The government plans to build a training camp in the area to act as a buffer zone between the warring communities and deter further fighting.