On May 18, 2022, security forces in Marsabit County made a commitment to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to combat the proliferation of illicit firearms.
The statement came in the wake of a 30-day dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the government two weeks prior, following a series of attacks in the region.
According to officials, the frequent attacks have been attributed to ethnic conflicts and the influx of small and light weapons from Ethiopia, which has been embroiled in conflicts.
Operation commander Bernard Mbatha emphasized that the operation in Marsabit has no timeframe, only targets, and will continue until those targets are met.
“The 30 days span was only on the curfew, the operation in Marsabit has got no timeframe, the only thing that it has are targets. Unless those targets are met, the operation is here to stay with us,” he said.
Mbatha urged residents to collaborate with security agencies to restore peace and assured them that the operation will be conducted within the bounds of the law.
Marsabit county Police Commander Paul Rotich attributed the proliferation of illicit arms to the county's vast and porous border, stating, “The porosity of the border has actually played a role in enabling firearms inflow into the county. It may take long but I am assuring you that is an area where we are not going to relent, we are going to give our best so that we can address the inflow of the firearms.”
