Authorities recover firearms believed to be used to commit crimes in Laikipia North.

Nanyuki

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

KNA by Muturi Mwangi

Following Multi-agency security operations in Laikipia North Sub County to flush out bandits, authorities have recovered a gun believed to have been used to commit crimes in the area.

Laikipia county commissioner Joseph Kanyiri confirmed the incident revealing the AK47 rifle, magazine pouch, and two rounds of ammunition were recovered in the Doldol area by police.

“We acknowledge receipt of a recovered firearm, AK47 make, a magazine, and two rounds of ammunition. We are happy this was surrendered through the effort of the security team and elders. We want to deeply thank them,” confirmed Kanyiri.

Kanyiri said there could be more firearms in the hands of civilians in Laikipia North and appealed to them to surrender voluntarily before the expiry of the amnesty as the security operations continue.

“We believe there are many firearms being held illegally by civilians and our request is that they be surrendered to the government. There is an amnesty for those who surrender voluntarily,” said the county commissioner.

He warned that, with the ongoing sting security operation and particularly in the bandits-infested Mukogodo forest, they were bound to unearth more guns and those found with them would face charges in the court of law.

“For those who we already know, we will soon be coming for you and recovering the firearms. After that, there shall be a court action for possessing firearms illegally,” warned Kanyiri.

Kanyiri said that the security operations which started a week ago seeking to restore peace in Laikipia were being conducted in a professional and human manner without hurting residents.

The county commissioner called on residents to cooperate with security agencies conducting the operations aimed at eradicating bandits who hide in the Mukogodo forest after committing heinous acts.

Recently, local leaders had appealed to the government to increase National Police Reservists from the current 360 to 800 in a bid to heighten security in Laikipia.

Meanwhile, the ongoing security operations are being carried out in other areas of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, and Samburu counties which were declared as disturbed and dangerous zones affected by insecurity.

Courtesy ; K. N. A