West Pokot County security Chiefs have expressed concern over recent insecurity between the Pokot and Marakwet communities that might destabilize the peace that has existed between the two neighboring communities.
Led by County Commissioner Wilson Wanyanga the leaders said in the past three months incidents of banditry among the two communities have escalated an issue that has led to lose of lives and stealing of livestock at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
“We won’t allow few individuals to disrupt the peace. We as security leaders won’t tire to search for the criminals” said Wanyanga.
Wanyanga pointed out illicit brew and drunkenness as the major issue that leads to animosity among the two communities.
He said tension is on the rise on daily basis hence urging both political and security leaders from the two counties to unite and address the issue before it gets out of hand.
“Leaders from Turkana, West Pokot and Baringo during the peace caravan agreed on silencing the guns as a long term solution to the problem which has worked for the past one year. But the recent problem is now between the Pokot and Marakwet. Please let us respect our leaders’ peace accord,” he said.
He was speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Makutano primary School West Pokot Sub County, Wanyanga said he was astonished by the two communities despite living in a peaceful atmosphere for thirteen years they still possess illegal guns that are not registered.
He cautioned those possessing illegal firearms to surrender or register the weapons rather than using them in criminal activities.
“There is low turn out in gun registration if the residents don’t want to register them we might think of forcefully repossessing them” Said Wanyanga
The county security chair recognized the efforts of Tegla Lorupe peace foundation council of elders and women in their efforts of preaching peace among the warring communities.
He said as the security team will not tire to search for a few individuals who want to disrupt the peaceful coexistence between the two communities and when found will be arrested and face the full arm of the law.
He urged the two communities to change on the strategy of solving dispute rather than subjecting the whole community to the punishment.
He said on Monday 6th of June they will have a joint peace meeting at Takaiwa between the Pokot and Marakwet communities to sensitize residents on the issue.