A group led by Kenya Internally Displaced Persons Organization (KIDPO) patron Peter Tena wants the government to regulate the sale of pangas, knives and other crude weapons to curb the possession of such by criminal gangs.
Speaking to the press on Monday, July 24, in Nakuru, the KIDPO officials asked the Ministry of Interior Trade and Industry ministries to ensure the sale of the items is monitored by the National Police Service (NPS) while the traders selling the weapons are placed under surveillance by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
KIDPO also urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to have an eye on influential politicians buying pangas, knives, bows and arrows in bulk.
He also condemned a section of political leaders for instigating and causing violence during the anti-government protests called by the opposition.
Tena noted that the state agencies should compel manufacturers to embrace innovation by implementing information and communication technology to stop the misuse of pangas and knives by engraving them with distinctive serial numbers before they are sold out to the public.
“There is a need to restrict the purchase of such weapons, knowing the buyer and the purpose for the purchase,” he added.
The official also affirmed that the cutting implements have been used in violent activities by organised criminal gangs and political goons. He suggested that a record of the embossed serial number be stored in a computer system so that they may be traced in an instance where they are used for violent activities.
Tena called on all members of parliament to preach peace and exercise tolerance during demonstrations.
Tena urged the police to act professionally and swiftly in accordance with the law to arrest perpetrators of violence and protect the lives and property of all Kenyans.
The KIDPO patron said Kenya is a democracy, and everyone must be allowed to express their views without being intimidated or using violence.
“We don’t want violence in this country. We want peace. Opposition Chief Raila Odinga and his Azimio Alliance brigade are free to hold rallies on the condition that they uphold peace," he affirmed.
He warned that demonstrations should not lead to the destruction of property or destabilize the economy.
