MPs from North Eastern Kenya have threatened to arm residents of the volatile region if government fails to shield them against terrorist attacks.
They issued a two-month ultimatum to end terror attacks in the expansive arid region.
The legislators led by Barre Shill (Fafi) said they would buy guns from Somalia and arm residents so that they can protect themselves.
Constitutionally, it is the responsibility of the government to provide security to citizens by ensuring law and order is adhered to within the country and by protecting Kenyans from external aggression.
Shill said time had come for the government to recruit, train and deploy police reservists in Northern Kenya to help police officers in the area in patrols.
“If the State does not act, we will be forced to mobilise our people and purchase guns from Somalia so that we can protect ourselves,” he said.
Others who attended the press conference included Shukran Gure (Garissa women rep), Mohamed Duale (Dadaab), Mohammed Shidiye (Lagdera) and Ibrahim Abba.
They slammed Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery of laxity to recruit police reservists even after President Uhuru Kenyatta gave the directive.
Over 30 people have lost lives in North Eastern region in the last one month to terror linked attacks.
The last incident happened along the Kulan-Liboi road when four officials working for Adeso, a local organisation hit an IED.
Earlier on, four police officers had also died after a device planted at a roadside blew up the vehicle they were travelling in.
[MP Barre Shill (C) and his counterparts Abdulswamad Nassir (Mvita) (L) and Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati) outside Parliament buildings.] (the-star.co.ke)