April 14, 2003

NAIROBI - The Church in Kenya is in support of government's plan to stamp out illegal arms among pastoral communities of Turkana, Samburu, Pokot and Marakwet in north-western Kenya, saying the weapons have caused increase in cattle rustling in the region.

A source within National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), who opted for anonymity while reacting to a recent announcement by Minister in-charge of National Security on the issue, remarked: "This is in line with our concern for peace-building initiatives in the affected areas."

Speaking to AANA on telephone, the informant said the organization had expressed concern over the matter in 1999, "but the government of the day would not listen."

He stated: "There were denials from all corners - government officials and KANU (Kenya African National Union). I am happy to hear a cabinet minister now confirming the situation and promising government's intended action."

The minister, Dr. Chris Murungaru, while launching a book titled Terrorized Citizens: Profiling small arms and insecurity in the North Region of Kenya, admitted that the problem of illicit firearms had seriously affected the pastoralist districts of Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Baringo, Marakwet and Trans Nzoia.

He was speaking on March 31 when he stressed: "The government will beef up security in these districts and intensify on livestock development and other alternative means of livelihood."

The publisher of the 115-page book, Security Research and Information Centre (SRIC), based in Nairobi, has acknowledged both the NCCK and the Catholic Peace and Justice Commission, for their commitment in working for peace and reconciliation in the affected areas.

NCCK has also teamed up with Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) to initiate a joint project on peace, reconciliation and development along the Kenya-Uganda common border.

Proliferation of arms in the North Rift region has impacted negatively on development. The book traces the source of arms to Uganda, southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, and blames this on the long history of conflict in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa.

All Africa News Agency
Reported By Osman Njuguna