Leaders and residents in West Pokot County have given the national government a two weeks ultimatum to disarm suspected bandits operating along the West Pokot-Turkana border and arrest those accused of killing several people in Kasei Ward last week.
The leaders are also demanding investigations into the source of illegal firearms being used in the bandit attacks.
They claim that the recent government-led disarmament exercise resulted in the members of one community surrendering illegal firearms, yet armed groups across the border allegedly continue to possess guns.
This comes after the killing of several people, including a pregnant woman, at Kamunono sub-location last week, sparking renewed tension in the area.
Residents have called for increased security deployments to Romos, Apuke and Morita, accusing suspected bandits of crossing into West Pokot, carrying out attacks and escaping.
Activist Peter Lomada urged all armed groups, regardless of their community, to surrender illegal firearms and called for security agencies to protect residents and businesses operating in the region.
At the same time, Sekerr MCA Jane Mengich questioned why killings were continuing despite the disarmament exercise, arguing that the operation appeared to have disproportionately affected the Pokot community.
She called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure all illegal firearms are removed from the border region and urged security agencies to take action against suspected attackers.
Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee accused the government of failing to adequately protect residents and warned that continued attacks could push communities to consider arming themselves for protection.
He called for more National Police Reservists to be deployed to affected areas and gave the government two weeks to enhance security and disarm armed groups operating along the border.
Additionally, Pokot South MP David Pkosing urged residents not to retaliate following the recent killings, instead calling on the government to arrest those responsible.
