The government is sustaining the on-going security operation in Marsabit County until the targeted number of illegal firearms in the hands of civilians are recovered.
Interior and National Government Coordination CS Dr Fred Matiang’i said according to intelligence information there were more than 3,000 illegal guns of different calibre and thousands of ammunition which must be retrieved from wrong hands.
Speaking at the Marsabit police station where he was shown about 200 guns and over 3,000 bullets that have been recovered since Operation Rejesha Amani Marsabit started a month ago, Matiang’i called on those in possession of any illicit weapons to surrender them to the authorities.
The CS who earlier held discussions with residents in Marsabit town and at the Catholic hall about the security operation said the 12-hour night curfew will also be maintained adding that the security personnel involved in the operation had done a commendable job.
He cautioned that the operation was being carried out professionally and with a human face but urged for cooperation as the exercise will only be halted once the over 3,000 firearms are netted.
“This operation is targeting to recover over 3,000 guns that are illegally being possessed by civilians,” he said adding that bad politics and the porous borders with neighbouring countries were majorly to blame for the insecurity situation in Marsabit County.
Matiang’i who was accompanied by the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai among other senior security officials said wananchi and local leaders that he was able to interact with had expressed their satisfaction on how the operation was being conducted.
The operation would be carried out until and after the general elections but the dusk to dawn curfew would be reviewed in the coming couple of weeks to see if the hours could be reduced.
This, the CS said, would enable normal activities including business to resume and to reduce the living burden on local residents.
“We are also exploring other interventions to cement peace among Marsabit residents that include meetings and preaching of peace by various actors like the religious leaders,” said the CS.
By Sebastian Miriti
