20 illegal guns recovered in ongoing crackdown on bandits

As heavily armed multi-security personnel including combat units from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and General Service Unit (GSU) continue mapping out areas in 6 counties marked as troubled and high risk due to escalating banditry activities, 20 guns have so far been surrendered.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, while confirming that the firearms were recovered in Samburu and Turkana counties, warned against possession of illegal guns.

“It is time to surrender these weapons voluntarily, because when it comes to the second phase, the language may not be the same,” said Dr. Hassan.

No casualties have been reported so far as a result of ambush, a week since President William Ruto ordered troops to pacify the disturbed banditry prone regions in the North Rift.

“We have not had a serious incident since the President issued the directives, and I believe this is going to be the state of affairs,” added the Regional Commissioner.

While promising to commit to the rule of law in the ongoing operation, the command of the multi security installation in the 6 counties says its officers will be ruthless to armed bandits who engage in combat.

“When bandits confront security officers, I don’t think there’s any formula in terms of handling the bandits. They will be handled the way they want to handle the security officers, and it is going to be a huge disappointment on their part,” said Dr. Hassan.

The Rift Valley police boss however remained non-committal on the duration of the operation, only stating that “as long as it takes, the presence of government will be there.”