Nairobi — Hundreds of herders in Isiolo thronged a security command centre to return illegal guns and beat a Christmas Day amnesty deadline.

By Monday 164 illegal guns and 7,939 rounds of ammunition had been surrendered.

The operation commander, Mr Anthony Kamitu, asked the residents to report any cases of torture or rape by police to allow for timely action to be taken against culprits.

"Police will execute their duties in a friendly way and for any complains that might arise, report the matter immediately for disciplinary action against the perpetrators," Mr Kamitu said.

However, he warned the residents against resisting the operation because it will result in forced disarmament.

"If you engage the officers in fire exchange or develop some resistance, they will use force to conduct their operation," he warned.

He said 215 guns had been confiscated from Kenya Police Reservists after they failed to account for bullets.

Mr Kamitu also said eight camels stolen two months ago had been returned. He said that 1,000 policemen were camping at Maili Tatu in neighbouring Buuri district in preparation for the disarmament operation which begins on Friday.

A source which requested not to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the press said 300 more officers would soon be deployed to beef up those on the ground.

Isiolo DC James Mwaura urged locals to surrender their guns and get certificates of surrender, which will be used as identity cards during disarmament operation.

The certificate of surrender, he said, will give immunity to the holder from police questioning during the operation.

As police displayed a cache of arms surrendered, there were deep running worries among locals that if the neighbouring communities did not return their firearms then peace would become elusive.

Kipsing ward councillor Peter Lekurtut urged the government to step up disarmament across other districts to cement the gains made over the last three weeks.

He also asked police to gaurd against rights abuse during the operation.

Seventy-three year-old Ekai Suguta was among those returning a G3 rifle and 20 rounds of ammunition he acquired seven years ago.

The octogenarian said he was filled with fear even as he returned the gun.

"I always kept way from the police because I thought they would detect that I had a gun. It has been bothering my conscience but now I can live in peace," he said.