Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum for individuals in possession of illegal firearms in Tot, Kerio Valley, to surrender them to authorities. The directive comes as part of heightened security operations aimed at curbing the rising cases of banditry and restoring peace in the region.
Lagat made the announcement during a security visit to Tot, where he emphasized that anyone found with illegal firearms after the deadline would face the full force of the law. He urged those in possession of weapons to hand them over to local chiefs, elders, or the National Police Reservists, warning that failure to comply would result in targeted operations against them.
“Anybody who has an illegal firearm, who is not supposed to own a firearm, should return the gun to authorities. If not, we will be coming for them,” Lagat warned. “Return the guns to chiefs, elders, or the National Police Reservists. If they will not surrender the guns, we will go for them whether they like it or not.”
In addition to the ultimatum, the DIG suspended all local security peace meetings conducted by village elders, stating that such gatherings would be halted to allow security officers to conduct operations effectively. The move is aimed at eliminating criminal elements who may exploit such forums to evade law enforcement.
During his visit, Lagat held a security meeting with representatives from Kerio Valley, Pokot Central, and Tiaty West subcounties. He acknowledged that previous government interventions had significantly reduced crime in the area, noting a 70% decline in banditry-related incidents. However, he expressed concern over a recent spike in attacks over the past three weeks, which resulted in the deaths of several people, including two schoolchildren.
In response, a multi-agency security team comprising the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and the General Service Unit (GSU) has been deployed to track down the criminals and restore order. Lagat urged the local community to cooperate with authorities by providing crucial information to help in apprehending the perpetrators.
“We are not going to allow a few individuals to disrupt the peace in this place,” Lagat affirmed, reiterating the government’s commitment to eradicating banditry in the region.
