Baringo Leaders Call for Proper Disarmament in Insecurity-Prone Zones
Elected leaders from Baringo County are calling on the national government to conduct a thorough and proper disarmament exercise in the region’s insecurity-prone zones. The leaders, including Members of Parliament and Members of the County Assembly, argue that a half-hearted approach to mopping up illegal firearms has allowed banditry to persist. They emphasized that a voluntary disarmament window has yielded little result, necessitating a forceful and comprehensive mandatory operation.
The leaders stated that thousands of illegal weapons remain in the hands of civilians, fueling a cycle of cattle rustling, murder, and displacement. They urged the security agencies to be firm and impartial in recovering all illicit arms, regardless of the community holding them. The call was made during a peace meeting where they also advocated for increased security personnel and the construction of more roads to open up the remote areas.
The leaders pledged to mobilize their constituents to support the disarmament process, acknowledging that lasting peace is impossible while communities are armed to the teeth. They also called for parallel initiatives to provide alternative sources of income for the youth, who are often lured into banditry due to idleness and poverty. The unified front from local leadership is seen as crucial for creating the public goodwill needed for a successful disarmament campaign.