Nairobi — Bad roads and rough terrain have hampered the disarmament exercise in West Pokot District, as the operation enters its fifth day.

Military personnel have recovered only three guns out of the anticipated 50,000, since the exercise began last Monday. The officers have now been forced to repair feeder roads to access some remote areas, which they had been unable to penetrate. A spot-check at Kanyarkwat - said to be one of the most notorious for illegal firearms - found army personnel grading the dilapidated Kanyarkwat-Katikomor Road for easier access to villages.

Another area, Kasei, known to be a hideout for cattle rustlers, has also proved difficult to access due to rough and hilly terrain.

"We have been forced to make the areas accessible in order to mop up illegal arms," said a senior army officer.

But the officers were optimistic that the exercise would be successful in spite of the hurdles. Reports indicate that over 15,000 residents have ferried a large number of firearms to Uganda, where they have fled to.

Illegal firearms

Internal Security minister John Michuki has vowed that the disarmament will go on, despite the hurdles and protests, to rid the area of illicit firearms.

However, he said the Government amnesty was still in effect for those who wished to surrender their arms voluntarily.

Meanwhile, it is feared that local schools may not re-open next week due to the operation. Rev Julius Murgor, of the African Inland Church, said parents may not send their children to school for fear of attacks.

In Laikipia District, security personnel have recovered three guns in the forcible disarmament launched last Friday. Area District Commissioner Wilson Njega said a suspect had been arrested. The security forces expect to recover about 5,000 firearms in civilian hands in Mukogodo, Central, Rumuruti and Ol Moran divisions.

Njega, at the same time, said the officers were pursuing 20 cattle stolen while under police guard in Ol Moran last Saturday. He said the animals were traced to the neighbouring Samburu District, where another 50 cattle were recovered last week.

Njega said the animals were stolen at Magadi Anti-Stock Theft Police Unit base by three heavily armed bandits.