Gov't recovers 602 illegal guns in Kerio Valley crackdown

The government has recovered more than 600 illegal guns in Kerio Valley in an effort to curb insecurity in the region, President William Ruto has said.

The President appealed to those who still possess illegal arms to surrender them willingly to security agencies or face the full force of the law.

“We know everyone who has a gun and we are going to come for it,” he said when he addressed residents of Kabarnet town, Baringo County, on Tuesday.

"We cannot continue being a county of widows and orphans. I have instructed Interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure that all guns are in the hands of security officers."

He said the government is committed to ending the three-decade long insecurity in the region that has led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

President Ruto made the remarks during a tour of Marigat and Kabarnet, Baringo County, on Tuesday. Present at the function were Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Cabinet Secretaries Murkomen (Interior) and Hannah Cheptumo (Gender & Culture), MPs and MCAs, among other leaders.

CS Murkomen said of the 602 illegal firearms recovered by security agencies in Kerio Valley, 120 were from Baringo County. He vowed not to relent on the crackdown of illegal arms bearers.

At Marigat, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for the 382-unit affordable housing project that will elevate Marigat's status as an emerging urban centre.

Later, President Ruto inspected the construction of the 100km Marigat-Mochongoi-Karandi-Ng'arua-Muhotetu junction and Muhotetu-Sipili roads.

He said the projects will enable farmers to transport produce more efficiently, open new markets, and boost tourism in Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Kerio Valley, and other destinations.

At Kabarnet, the President inspected construction progress of the 81km Kasoyo-Riwo-Seretunin-Talai-Kasisit-Kipcherere-Kampi Samaki Road.

The road, to be built at a cost of Ksh.207 million, is being undertaken by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority.

On other development projects in the county, he said the government has allocated Ksh.1.4 billion to connect 15,000 households.

Pointing out that construction of Kabarnet University will begin soon, the President said the Ministry of Lands and Housing will build hostels for the first 1,000 students.

He also explained that the government would build 2,000 affordable housing units in Kabarnet Town, a project that would give the town a much-needed face-lift.

Additionally, he said, Ksh.900 million has been set aside for the construction of a modern stadium at Kabarnet town, with the assistance of the Kenya Defence Forces.

Furthermore, the President directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to gazette land in the town for the establishment of a special economic zone.

He urged residents to rally behind the cooperation with former Baringo Senator and Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi.

"We have agreed that we will work together for the benefit of all Kenyans. Division has no place in our country," he said.