IG Koome: Surrender illegal weapons or face the law

Inspector-General of Police Japheth Koome. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome has issued a month's notice to holders of illegal weapons to surrender or face the law.

Addressing the press at Jogoo House, Nairobi after a consultative meeting with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Koome said the police force is concerned about the escalating number of mugging incidents especially in parts of Nairobi County involving armed youths.

"I have issued a 1-month notice to those in possession of illegal firearms to surrender to respective police stations. Our Governor has revealed to us that there are youths who have been reaching out to him expressing their willingness to surrender the illegal weapons. We welcome that," Koome said without expounding if the grace period is across the 47 counties.

At the same time, the IG warned that police will deal ruthlessly with the emerging gangs that have been terrorizing Kenyans.

The new police boss has also stated that the sting operation is aimed at restoring dignity in the city and hence should not be politicized.

On his part, Governor Sakaja reiterated his plans to restore order in the city adding that he will not defend anyone caught breaking the law.

Sakaja also revealed that the County Askaris will work hand in hand with the police to curb insecurities especially in the Central Business District (CBD).

"Nairobi is an admired and important commercial hub across the globe. We must restore order and dignity since as a county, we care about the safety and security of the 5 million plus residents on Nairobi. We have structures in place including surveillance cameras and the County Askaris working hand in hand with police to restore the deteriorating security situation," Governor Sakaja stated.

He added that they will also be working on the traffic menace in Nairobi as promised during his campaigns.