Police in Meru County have congratulated a Bishop from the region who surrendered an AK-47 rifle after receiving it from one of his followers.
Bishop Nathan Kirimi of Jesus Winner Ministry Church located in Meru town surrendered the rifle with 17 rounds of ammunition which he said was given to him by one of his worshipers who gave his life to God.
“When the Bishop was preaching in his church on Sunday, one of the believers who gave his live to Jesus pleaded with saying he had something he wanted to tell the pastor and he told him he had a parcel that he wanted to surrender to him,” said Imenti North Sub County Police Commander Mr Ezekiel Chepkwony.
He said the Bishop agreed to receive it and surrendered the same to the police station.
“I wish to thank our Bishop for the good work he has done and I think this person took this step because of the pressure we have been putting on criminals. They know that their days are numbered and this is a wise decision taken by this person,” said Chepkwony.
He added: “I am also giving a warning to those who are still out there with illegal firearms that their days are numbered and very soon, we shall catch up with them.”
Chepkwony said that the rate of crime like robbery with violence by the use of firearms had gone down within Meru town following an operation that they have launched in the town.
“I appeal to the community to report anyone with an illegal firearm and we shall take it in confidence and do our work. Those holding the firearms should know there is also provision for them to surrender voluntarily before we forcefully go after them,” said Chepkwony.
Bishop Kirimi on the other hand said the clergy in Meru have been working closely with the police to reduce crime rates, which was why this follower decided to take action.
He also appealed to those holding such firearms to surrender them since they were not supposed to be held by civilians.
“They can surrender them to government offices or take them to their churches and pastors are ready to receive and surrender them to security officers on their behalf,” said Bishop Kirimi.
Additionally, he said that it is usually dangerous when citizens are illegally in possession of these firearms since they are not used in the right way.
By Dickson Mwiti
