Citizens who feel safe can end arms menace

Calls for voluntary disarmament and co-operation by communities in ensuring security are not enough to rid the country of illegal arms. Even where citizens are inclined to respect the rule of law, fears of living unprotected may triumph over their better instincts. Disarmament, whether forcible or voluntary, must be accompanied by enhanced security and (in areas where arms are used in rustling) economic alternatives.

With organised crime, the two approaches are also needed: The communities that protect criminal gangs in their midst have an economic incentive to do so. And where they don’t, they are usually afraid of the consequences of reporting to a possibly complicit police or administrative unit.

President Kibaki used his Kenyatta Day address to call on citizens to rethink their conduct in relation to security. "Government security forces can only succeed in keeping us safe and secure if we observe and uphold the rule of law," he said. "Citizens cannot arm themselves, raid their neighbours, kill and maim others, and then accuse the Government of not providing security. Nor can they harbour criminals ... then complain of serious crimes."

Success stories

Kibaki is right: Citizens need to make a stand against lawlessness. This is only possible with improvement in security for those who co-operate. Community policing success stories must be celebrated, rogue police reined in and criminals taken off the streets. If there are reprisals for reporting crime or attacks after surrendering arms, people lose faith.