Firearms surrendered at County Commissioner's visit

Last week, the Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo held a Baraza in Pokot East sub County of Baringo County. He held the baraza at a place called Akwichatis in Mondi ward of Pokot East. The location is approximately 60km from the sub county head quarter on a dusty rough road.

Mr. Okwanyo termed it as Super Baraza. He said the aim was to bring closer the presence of government to the place. He said the visit was to address the cattle rustling challenge among the Pokot community of Baringo. During the super baraza, two AK 47 illegal arms were brought forward by locals for registration.

The county commissioner had issued an amnesty period previously for owners of illegal arms to surrender. However, the response was poor. A registration program was thus launched to register them. So far, less than 33 illegal firearms have been registered.

Mr. Okwanyo said, "We have intelligence reports confirming that there are 3000 to 5000 illegal firearms, only a few have come out to register theirs". The registration was to curb illegal use if the firearms in cattle rustling and other crimes.

The commissioner was with the county and sub counties security teams including AP Commander, Kenya Police Commander, CID and NIS bosses of Baringo county.