Avoid bias in disarmament on border, leaders tell State

Leaders on the common border of Turkana and Pokot counties have called for a uniform disarmament programme along the Kapedo-Lomelo corridor.

The leaders said they support the State's move to have all civilians disarmed to ensure security in troubled regions.

They, however, called for uniformity in disarmament so that no community is exposed to banditry attacks.

"Vulnerability of Turkana locals to insecurity has been caused by biased disarmament process as many suspected criminals in remote villages still hide and unleash terror on their disarmed neighbours," Turkana East MP Mohammed Ali Lokiru said.

Lokori MCA Benedict Lokamar said the corridor has a huge geothermal potential and biased disarmament will disadvantage locals who will be forced out of their ancestral homes.

"Villages where locals and police reservists have surrendered guns must be safeguarded by specialised police units," Mr Lokamar said.

Kapedo/Napeitom MCA Willy Nalimo said uniform disarmament would enable free movement of goods and people to Lokori in Turkana East and Marigat in Tiaty.

At the same time, parents in Turkana County who fail to send their children to school will be arrested and prosecuted.

Turkana Central Sub-County Commissioner Alexander Mativo said the government has facilitated opportunities for learning and parents should ensure all children access education as a right.

"I will roll out an impromptu operation where we will round up all children loitering in Lodwar town and demand that they take us to their parents for arrests," Mr Mativo said.

Turkana County Youth Leader Paul Jalinga welcomed the move, saying it will tackle rising cases of teenage pregnancies in Lodwar town.

Mr Jalinga said that many girls who have dropped out of school and opted for a life in the streets are either pregnant or have families.

"It is sad that such children have turned a section of Lodwar Fresh Produce Market into their home," he said.

Mativo also said he would not allow crowding of children at Huduma Centre for birth certificates, saying it was the responsibility of parents.