This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has announced a crackdown on illegal guns in six counties in the region. The disarmament exercise, which was initially set to start in September, has been delayed due to an African Union resolution declaring the month as an amnesty period.
Speaking in Uasin Gishu County after inspecting development projects, Natembeya stated that the government will not show mercy to those who refuse to surrender their guns. He commended individuals who took advantage of the amnesty period to surrender their illegal guns but warned that those who still hold onto them will be targeted.
“We will be looking for those who still hold onto the guns, and it will not be business as usual,” Natembeya said. The regional commissioner added that the government is determined to wipe out insecurity in the North Rift region to allow development to take root.
Only police officers and licensed gun holders will be allowed to possess weapons, Natembeya emphasized. He also warned those thinking of holding onto guns, stating that the government will not rest until all arms are collected, including pistols and homemade guns.
Additionally, Natembeya addressed the issue of the National Police Reservists (NPRs), stating that the government's decision to disband them still stands until they can be recruited competitively. He ordered reservists whose guns had been confiscated to return their police uniforms, labeling those still possessing them as masqueraders.
