Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a government initiative that will offer scholarships to individuals involved in banditry, provided they surrender their illegal firearms.
Speaking during a press briefing on July 25, at the Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner’s office in Iten, ahead of the Jukwaa La Usalama security tour, Murkomen said the government is extending an olive branch to suspects engaged in banditry.
“If you own a firearm, we are giving you an opportunity in the shortest time possible to present it to police officers,” he said, noting that the offer applies especially to the youth.
The CS explained that the government will take back to school those who surrender their weapons, offering scholarships and technical training opportunities aimed at equipping them with life-changing skills.
“I am ready, working with relevant agencies, to take to technical schools those who surrender their firearms so that they acquire skills to empower themselves,” Murkomen stated.
Murkomen extends olive branch to bandits
“Some of these people are of school-going age. Instead of engaging in crime, we will give them scholarships to get skills that they can afford to take care of their lives,” he added.
He, however, warned of a looming crackdown targeting those who fail to embrace the peace initiative. According to Murkomen, security agencies will launch a ruthless operation to weed out remaining bandits and their enablers.
“Those who insist that they must continue to be in banditry will have no one to blame. Our security agencies are going to deal with them firmly. They should therefore take this olive branch and choose peace by surrendering guns and taking pens instead,” he said.
Also Read: Murkomen Orders Crackdown on Powerful Individuals Smuggling and Selling Guns
Murkomen also revealed that the government has intelligence reports on individuals aiding criminal elements in the region. He named politicians, teachers, and contractors among those suspected of purchasing and distributing weapons to bandits.
“We are aware of elements who are buying and supplying firearms; some of them are teachers, contractors, and politicians. The law will catch up with them,” he warned.
“I want to give them an olive branch, surrender to the police before it’s too late,” he added.
Murkomens’ visit to Elgeiyo Marakwet
He was accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Deputy Inspector General of Police – APS Gilbert Masengeli, area MPs, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan, and other local leaders.
Also Read: Murkomen Asks Court to Continue Charging Protesters With Terrorism
The event was meant to assess the construction of Kamariny Stadium, which had restarted after stalling for quite some time, and the CS confirmed his confidence in the new contractors, citing that the stadium will be completed on time and to the required standards.
Murkomen confirmed that the 10,000-seater facility, which will be completed in one year, will host ball sports and athletics. Hostels for athletes in camp will be added in phase 2 of the construction.
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