Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich has asked communities in Kerio Valley to surrender all illegal arms and team up with the government in restoring peace in the region.
Kimengich said the residents should not harbour any criminals or individuals having illegal guns that have been used to perpetrate banditry.
“As the government has come out to work on peace in Kerio Valley, we urge all those still holding guns illegally to surrender them immediately,” Kimengich said.
He said there was now clear hope for peace after hundreds of residents handed over illegal guns and former bandits also surrendered.
“We urge that the government should have a clear plan to rehabilitate and empower those young people who have opted to abandon banditry activities.”
Kimengich asked residents to shun banditry and embrace peace and take up farming along with other businesses to earn decent livelihoods.
“We want the government to do all that is possible in ensuring that the people of Kerio Valley enjoy lasting peace and stability,” he said.
The cleric was speaking at the Catholic Church in Eldoret where worshippers gathered for prayers to remember former bishop Cornelius Korir, who died eight years ago.
Deputy Governor for Nandi Yulita Mitei, among others, was also present.
Most clergy in the region have praised the ongoing ‘Rudisha Bunduki Operation’ in Kerio Valley, where more than 345 guns have been surrendered to security teams within the last month.
The enhanced security operation to disarm illegal gun holders in Kerio Valley started early this year after the killing of Father Alloys Bett, who was shot dead by bandits.
The church says the renewed efforts to restore peace and security will help communities resume normal lives by engaging in development programmes.
Other church leaders, including Paul Kimutai and Jane Keter, said the security operation had achieved tangible success after being embraced by local communities.
“We are happy that our community members are voluntarily returning illegal guns which have previously been used to perpetrate violence in Kerio Valley,” Kimutai said.
The clerics have asked the government to revive all stalled development projects in the region so that residents can enjoy access to government services
“We would like to see all our schools, hospitals, colleges and other institutions working smoothly so that they help communities live better lives,” he said.
Keter said they support dialogue and community involvement in strengthening peace structures that will ensure residents work with security teams in the region.
“There should be sustained ways to ensure communities work with security teams on peace and security issues moving forward,” she said.
The ongoing voluntary disarmament is aimed at ending decades of banditry. So far over 100 bandits have also surrendered and abandoned banditry as the government stepped up security operations in the affected region that covers Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana and Samburu counties.
Knut secretary in Elgeyo Marakwet John Cheberi said many children who had dropped out of school due to banditry would flock back due to the improved security.
