Herders back move to mop up illegal firearms

by Ali Abdi

Pastoralists have welcomed Government’s plan to disarm gun owners across the country.

The pastoralists from Isiolo, Laikipia and Samburu said the disarmament would boost security.

Isiolo Safina branch chairman Felix Karimba praised the directive by President Kibaki, saying the move would reduce conflict among warring pastoralists.

Mr Karimba said many herders had armed themselves largely due to inter-clan conflict fuelled by politicians, than cattle rustling.

"We have many people who are armed and the Government knows this. It is time they move in to disarm all irrespective of where we live," he said yesterday.

Disarm homeguards

He said even those at the borders should be disarmed and their concerns about being attacked from neighbouring countries be addressed by the Government.

Karimba said this could be done through creating more police posts.

Councillor Raphael Lekilwai said all pastoralists and home guards should be disarmed.

"We welcome the move but home guards should be done away with because they had been taking sides in the conflict," said Mr Lekilwai.