Intense security operation is underway in Kurkum area in Loiyangalani Sub-County, Marsabit, with police in hot pursuit of armed criminals accused of shooting to death three people on Saturday at a livestock watering point.

Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau said the incident that occurred at Gathabi Ergek after two groups of herders differed over method of accessing water for their livestock, also left another herder with gunshot injuries.

Kamau warned that possession of illegal firearms is a crime, adding that a multi-agency team of security personnel dispatched to the area was pursuing those behind the skirmish.

The county commissioner reiterated that it is only the government that had the prerogative of providing security to all Kenyans and their property. Kamau said security personnel were on firm instructions to apprehend the culprits and recover the illegal guns used in the reported crime.

“We are not going to relent until the suspects are arrested and the illicit firearms in their possessions retrieved,” he stated.

Kamau, who is chairman of the county security and intelligence committee, urged herders to love one another and share the available resources. The county commissioner further called for calm among local pastoralist communities, even as the relevant authorities, commenced investigations into the matter, with a view to bringing it into a logical conclusion and restore normalcy in the area.

The incident comes barely a week after the government issued a two-week ultimatum for surrender of all illegal firearms in the hands of members of the public, failure to which a security  operation to mop up the guns would be conducted.

The county commissioner pointed out that the incident has confirmed the availability of illegal firearms in wrong hands in the sub-county, which borders Samburu County, adding that a forceful retrieval operation was imminent, unless the ultimatum was heeded to.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sebastian Miriti