THE government has assured residents of Laikipia East Central districts of their security ahead of the general election. commissioner and his Laikipia Central counterpart have guaranteed the residents of tight security.

The assurance comes after three men were killed by armed gangsters in the district last week.

Laikipia East DC Abdirashid Mohammed and his Central counterpart Titus Kilonzi said police patrols have been intensified to address ensure the area is secure.

Last week, 37-year-old farmer Sammy Mwangi was shot dead at Kalai trading centre in Laikipia Central by a gang of five men that had invaded a local bar.

The gangsters shot him with an AK-47 rifle after he failed to give them money.

On Sunday night, a 24-year-old man was shot dead at Withare trading centre in the district by a gang believed to be the one that killed Mwangi.

Kilonzi said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and are helping police with investigations.

At the weekend, a 70-year-old man was killed by cattle rustlers at Ngare Ng'iro village in Laikipia East district.

Long'ole Lokiribi was grazing his sheep and goats when he was attacked and his livestock stolen.

The 42 shoats were recovered later at Ilpolei area by the Anti-Stock Theft Unit police officers while being driven towards Mukogodo in Laikipia North.

Yesterday, Mohammed said all illegal guns under civilians' hands in the area will be repossessed by the government.

"Let the members of the public help us with information so that we can be able to eradicate these criminal activities. They live amongst you and thus it is your duty to volunteer information," said the DC told in his Nanyuki town office.