The recommendation by the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons that anyone found in possession of an illegal weapon be jailed for life was timely.

Calls for the death sentence for anyone found to have used a gun to commit a crime are also commendable.

Currently, it is estimated there are more than 130,000 guns in the wrong hands, and majority of Kenyans live in fear, never really sure whether their safety is guaranteed.

The practice of re-armament has largely contributed to the perennial conflicts that pit communities in northern Kenya against one another.

This has always resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians and loss of livestock. Last month, the BBC reported there were some communities in the Rift Valley that were arming themselves in readiness for the 2012 General Elections. If the report is true, armed groups could be drawn into violent political face-offs.

Such allegations should not be taken lightly, rather the Government should start a vigorous disarmament drive if the nation is to avoid serious political, economic and social repercussions.

However, there are experts who accuse the Government of employing ineffective disarmament techniques and insist that the exercise be put off until a clear policy framework is in place.

They say we must remember that majority of the firearms come from neighbouring countries and any steps we take must be replicated across our borders.

{Martin Ager, via e-mail}

I was excited to learn that Burundi had recovered nearly 14,000 weapons in a nationwide campaign designed to disarm its citizens a fortnight ago.

This was a fruitful exercise that would bear fruits in Kenya if it were carried out in a professional and sensitive manner.

Unlike Burundi where more lethal weapons like grenades and mines were in the hands of civilians, we only have to deal with the menace of light weapons.

If these were removed from wananchi’s hands, it would be possible to avert the kind of bloody violence witnessed soon after the 2007 General Election.

It is said that man never appreciates peace until he experiences war. After post-poll chaos, let us ensure the events that transpired never recur and embrace the Burundi route.

{James Mwangi, Kigumo}