Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) David Kimaiyo has told criminals still in possession of illegal firearms in Kerio Valley to take advantage of ongoing amnesty to surrender them before expiry period.

Kimayyo explained that lasting peace and accelerated development in the volatile region will only be achieved once all the guns in the wrong hands are surrendered. The former IGP, who commended the government for a job well done, stated absence of peace and stability cannot have meaningful social and economic development will ever be realised.

“I am appealing to bandits in Elgeyo Marakwet, Tiaty in Baringo and West Pokot counties to surrender all illicit arms in their possession. If your name is on that list, please give out the guns before the law catches up with you. Just know that you are a government property and once you are declared one, government knows where you are taken to,” he stressed

The former National Police Service boss made the clarion call at Kabetwa in Marakwet East-Sub County during the burial of retired Rev Joseph Yano of Africa Inland Church.

Kimaiyo who said he was one of those farmers who lost animals to the cattle rustlers last year called for total weed out of all armed criminals for wananchi to engage in viable socio-economic activities.

“I am one of those affected by these cattle rustling and banditry menace which has remained deep rooted in Kerio Valley. I lost my goats and only 30 were recovered. Peace is critical for the development of this region. I urge people to leave politics out of this noble operation and support it fully,” he stressed.

Kimaiyo who was once the director of  Kenya’s National Focal Point (KNFP) on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) commended the Interior and National Administration Ministry for putting in place serious security measures across the Kerio Valley belt that has started bearing fruits.

The restoration of peace, he noted, has seen families return to their homes and farms where they are currently engaging in farming activities with some cultivating crops along the Kerio River, which had been abandoned for years after bandits declared a no go zone.

Bishops David Kipsoi of Keiyo Marakwet Area Church Council and his West Pokot counterpart David Kaseton of Africa Inland Church who presided over the burial ceremony said they the church has started holding peace rallies across the affected counties in order to supports the government peace initiatives.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Joshua Kibet