Residents of Mt. Elgon constituency in possession of illegal firearms have been urged to return them immediately or face the full force of the law.
Addressing residents during a Baraza at Kipsigon Market in Chepyuk Ward, Bungoma County Commissioner Thomas Sankei called upon the residents to cooperate with the administration and security agencies to ensure no one is in possession of illegal firearms.
He stated that the only people licensed to carry firearms are police officers, noting that the area is secured by the GSU and other police units. He emphasized that no one else is authorized to possess firearms.
His sentiments were echoed by Bungoma County Police Commander Francis Kooli, who revealed that they have information about a firearm circulating among the Soy and Mosop sub-tribes of the Sabaot community. He urged the residents to heed the call and surrender the firearm immediately.
Kooli added that, with current technological advancements, they are able to track the firearm and will narrow down to the village and homestead to arrest the culprits.
Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi disclosed that he has information about a group planning to cause unrest by attacking Emia village and called upon the security agencies to act immediately.
Having been a leader during the 2007 skirmishes, Kapondi said he knows very well what the residents went through and cannot allow such an incident to recur.
County Commissioner Sankei further dismissed claims that there are internally displaced persons in the county, stating that the government compensated them a long time ago.
