The Rift Valley regional commissioner George Natembeya has urged
locals who have firearms illegally acquired and owned to voluntarily return them to the security agencies or face the full force of law. Natembeya cited the insecurity cases in the Kerio Valley region as an example, saying some have been killed by illicit firearms.
Speaking in Kitale after attending a security meeting with security personnel in Trans Nzoia, he urged politicians to work in tandem with the government when it comes to disarming the guns, saying the government and leaders need to join efforts.
He warned leaders not to interfere with the process, “I want to warn politicians who’ll not tell the locals to surrender their illegally owned guns to avoid interfering with the government’s disarmament process.”
Concerning the politicking that’s being witnessed in the country, Natembeya urged politicians to tone down and stop the persistent campaigns and instead focus on service delivery. He said most politicians have forgotten their tasks and are busy campaigning.
He urged locals to closely scrutinize the projects initiated by the leaders, saying they should ensure the leaders fulfil what they had earlier promised. “We can’t allow the country to remain in the campaigns period. Let our leaders work and deliver the projects they promised you, don’t allow them to come to you with empty promises,” he said.
On the controversial issue of maize importation, he urged residents not to be worried since the government hasn’t officially advertised any maize importation plans, saying they are still consulting various stakeholders. He said the government is mindful of the challenges faced by farmers in Kenya, adding that plans are in place to ensure farmers benefit from the government.
