Nairobi — The government has extended the deadline on the general amnesty issued tom pastoralists to the to surrender illegal firearms.

In a statement to the press on Sunday, Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti said the amnesty has been extended to January 20, 2010.

The minister said his action was prompted by the good response by members of the pastoralist communities on the earlier amnesty that was issued by the Government.

Professor Saitoti said that he expected that the extension will allow those still in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them before the Government moves in to mop up all illegal firearms, immediately after the expiry of the amnesty period.

He thanked all those who have responded positively and assured those in areas prone to cattle rustling that the Government will provide them with adequate security.

Meanwhile, the government has so far recovered 451 guns and 2,590 rounds of ammunition from the residents of North Rift and Upper Eastern, said Saitoti.