By Salim Mutuma
Following a spate of attacks in Baragoi, Samburu North that have claimed tens of lives and left a trail of destruction in the last three months, the government has moved to secure the area by imposing one-month dusk to dawn curfew.
The curfew, which might be extended if peace is not restored in the region, will allow the security organs to carry out forceful disarmament and flush out cattle rustlers, gangs and bandits responsible for the attacks.
The proliferation of illegal firearms has been blamed for the clashes pitting Samburu and Turkana communities and for the insecurity being witnessed in the region.
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya said the disarmament exercise was advised by the communities’ failure to voluntarily surrender the guns to police during the government’s one-year grace period.
The security operation will be carried out by among others the military, the General Service Unit (GSU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ATSU) and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU).
Mr Natembeya said the operation will start in Baragoi town before extending to other troubled areas.
“Proliferation of illegal firearms here is very high and we want to restore normalcy once and for all,” Mr Natembeya said.
