A section of West Pokot County leaders have expressed their worry over the so-called overuse of force by the police officers executing an operation to recover illegal firearms in the area.
The leaders, led by Sigor Member of Parliament Peter Lochakapong accused police of violence, harassment and brutality of innocent residents during the operations that are still going on.
They noted that the disarmament operation, although necessary to ensure security, should not undermine the rights and safety of citizens who are conforming to the law.
The former West Pokot Governor Professor John Lonyangapuo expressed similar concerns and urged security forces to take a community-oriented and more human approach.
He asked the officers to negotiate with the residents through peaceful and consultative ways to get their cooperation and break down barriers of mistrust.
The operation to seize illegal firearms continues in some parts of North Rift, a region which in the past has had insecurity due to banditry and the spread of illegal arms.
