Government bans use of guns by herders

It will now be illegal for anyone to use firearms to herd their livestock.

President William Ruto on Sunday issued the ban order and told livestock keepers to use stick to herd their livestock.

His directive came at a time when parts of Northern Kenya are experiencing sporadic attacks from bandits who have killed locals and stolen livestock.
“No one will be allowed to walk around with a gun while herding. Let everyone use a stick, guns are for the police,” said Ruto.

The use of firearms by herders among pastoral communities has been a common practice especially because this is the only way herders can protect themselves and their animals when they come under attack from banditry or wild animals.

In many instances however, these same guns have been used to terrorize others when stealing livestock among communities.

Ruto who was speaking in Lamu said the government has set aside 20 billion shillings to deal with insecurity, and reiterated his push to have all unlicensed guns in the hands of citizens surrendered to the police.

In areas like the Suguta Valley, Kapedo, Tiaty Arabal, Kainuk just to name afew, herders can hardly move from one area to another looking for pasture without their riffles strapped on their shoulders.

No one knows whether these locals will heed to the president's call even after promising to end banditry in the north.

Meanwhile in Samburu, hundreds of people are now camping at Loiborngare area after running away from their homes. These mothers, children and the elderly are all from Porra arae where bandit attacks had become too frequent.

According to the area Mp, over 300 hundred families are currently seeking shelter here.Three schools in Porra, Sepei and Lkek-puki have remained closed following the attacks.

The displaced people are urging the government to ensure there is enough security in Porra to enable them to go back to their homes.

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda who supplied the displaced persons with foodstuff wants the government to treat insecurity matters effectively.

“I hope peace will be restored so that the children can go back to school because the situation has been bad,” said Lessuda.