Speaking during a peace meeting in Laikipia county, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i announced that the government will embark on a vetting exercise for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) across the country.
The exercise is expected to kick off in Laikipia where over 800 police reservists were recruited in the recent past before proceeding to other counties.
The CS also stated that once the vetting is complete, a security operation will be conducted in Northern Kenya in a bid to mop up all the illegal firearms.
Matiang’i who met elders from Samburu and Marsabit called for communities in the region to live peacefully and warned those possessing illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily.
Outgoing Inspector General Joseph Boinnet had cautioned leaders from the area against peddling lies about inter-communal conflicts in the region.
This comes as the government continues with the vetting of private firearm owners.
National police reservists have in the recent past come under fire for allegedly colluding with criminal elements.
After three people were killed following ethnic clashes in Oronder village, Marsabit on Wednesday 14, evening.
Saku Sub-County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi who confirmed the incident stated that a multi-agency team is on the ground to ensure that the situation is contained and that further clashes are averted.
“We are investigating claims that National Police Reservists were involved in the clashes. If found to be true, then legal action will be taken against them. We are doing validation of gun ownership by civilians and the NPRs before a disarmament exercise,” he added.
The county police boss revealed that a similar shootout was witnessed on Monday when a section of NPRs from both communities clashed.
