Things have taken a turn in Marsabit and Samburu Counties after signing a peace agreement to end a long-standing conflict that existed between communities of the two counties.
Speaking at the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel in Laikipia County, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, Dr Fred Matiang’i said that the deal would ensure that the government now focuses on other issues.
He added that these regions had great economic potential that should be exploited.
Dr Matiang’i gave a stern warning to anyone who’ll be caught inciting people to take up arms against each other especially in instances when undertones of political incitement are partly to blame.
“We are aware that some politicians use such opportunities to incite people. Let me be clear, no one will politick at the expense of others. We will no longer lose lives because people want to play politics,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i acknowledged that a lot more needs to be done to root out all threats to peace and security in this region.
“Whether you are an elected leader or civilian, if you have an illegal or unregistered firearm, give it up now. Failure to do this will lead to arrest. I encourage communities to willingly surrender illegal firearms to the right authorities and also direct that all National Police Reservists [NPR] should undergo a compulsory digital registration. The exercise will start next week and will be overseen by Regional and County Commanders,” he said.
The CS reiterated that the grace period to surrender illegal firearms ends with the same duration given to the licensing of firearms by the Firearms and Licensing Board and will not be extended.
“As you are all aware, peace initiatives are recognized in Kenya and indeed enshrined in our Constitution. Peace dialogues such as this, wherever they have been held, have always improved community relations. We must therefore leverage the power of reasoning to address our differences as civilized neighbors.”
At the event were outgoing Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett, the Regional and County Commissioner and leaders from Samburu and Marsabit Counties.