Security agencies in Turkana County have recovered 47 illegal guns and arrested 30 people who have been arraigned in court for illegal possession of firearms.
Turkana County Commissioner Seif Matata said six AK 47 rifles and 11 ammunitions were recovered last week after a man suspected of transporting illegal firearms was waylaid and killed by police.
Three AK 47 were recovered from the suspect at Kalobeyei in Turkana west sub county on November 23.
“The following day the security officers following a lead from identification documents obtained from the suspect recovered three AK 47 guns and other ammunition in Lodwar Town” said Matata.
Addressing the press in his office on Wednesday, Matata said despite the government amnesty requiring those in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them, some people have not heeded the call.
“I am warning those in possession of illegal firearms that we shall deal with them firmly in accordance with the law,” said Matata.
Illegal firearms have been cited as a contributing factor to the conflict among pastoralist communities.
At the same time, the County Commissioner who was flanked by county CID Officer Edward Imbwaga, Turkana central Ocpd David Mborokwa and his AP counterpart Ronald Rotich issued a stern warning to highway robbers following last week’s incident where a matatu was ambushed and passengers robbed off their valuables.
Matata described the incident as an isolated case adding that police have obtained crucial leads that will help bring the culprits to book.
He urged transporters especially those who operate at night to liaise with security officers for escort to avoid being ambushed.
By Peter Gitonga
