The government should employ the use of modern technology in its efforts to remove illegal arms in the hands of warring pastoral communities in the north rift region.
Former Kapedo councilor, Joseph Erika said the government should seek help from international partners with advanced technology to assist in riding the region of illicit firearms.
“Even if it means using drones to deal decisively with anybody found carrying unauthorized guns until such a time the pastoralist become allergic to carrying firearms and forced to return them to the government so be it,” said Erika.
He added that modern technology was the only way the government will be able to forcefully remove firearms owned by citizens illegally adding that the planned disarmament by the government in pastoral areas in the north rift using security personnel will not succeed because the officers do not understand the rugged terrain of the region.
Speaking in Eldoret yesterday during a meeting of former councilors and Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Erika said the residents of Turkana and Pokot can no longer travel without security escort because of the presence of too many guns in the hands of wrong people.
Former Kapenguria mayor, Christopher Lonyala and William Cherambus of Baringo expressed similar sentiments and accused current political leaders of being unpatriotic, saying they were using boundary differences to incite locals to attack each other as a means of advancing their political interest.
“Politicians seeking election to political positions are taking advantage of the poor locals by making unrealistic promises that hinge on creating disharmony between neighbouring communities,” said Lonyala.
The former civic leaders said they were ready to help the government in fostering peace between the communities.
“We have no political aspirations but we are offering our full support to restore peace and harmony in the region,” said Cherambus.