The government has unveiled plans to conduct a major disarmament exercise in Garissa County as the nation looks forward to the next general polls.
According to the Regional coordinator Mohamud Saleh, Garissa is among the counties with the highest number of individuals in possession of illegal firearms in the nation.
Saleh noted that there are high chances that residents of this region can misuse firearms as the election period draws closer.
"As we approach the elections, the firearms can be misused. Any person found with an illegal firearm will be considered a member of Al Shabaab and will suffer the consequences," said Saleh, as quoted by The Star.
Saleh further added that the government will apply necessary force to disarm residents of Garissa, noting that the terror group has become a nightmare to many locals.
He also urged aspirants eyeing different seats in the region to conduct peaceful campaigns and ask the electorate to vote for them in a manner that is not likely to lead to violence.
“We appeal to politicians to conduct the campaigns peacefully and ask for votes in a manner that will not incite any group against another,” he said.
The other counties where the exercise will be conducted are Wajir and Mandera.