Nairobi — President William Ruto has banned the use of firearms by pastoralists to herd their livestock.

Speaking in Lamu on Sunday, President Ruto declared that the government will not permit anyone to possess an unlicensed firearm.

He urged pastoralists to use canes and sticks instead of guns for herding.

"No one will be allowed to possess a gun in the name of herding their livestock. Everyone should instead look for cane and/or stick to use. Leave the guns to security personnel," he said.

For decades, pastoralists in the country have used firearms to protect their livestock which is their main source of livelihood.

President Ruto said that his government has allocated an additional Sh20 billion to support security personnel in the execution of their mandate.

The Head of State said emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating banditry in the country, particularly the restive North Rift that has suffered the brunt of decades of conflicts.

The announcement comes even as the Interior Ministry announced that only 39 firearms136 rounds of ammunition and 1 FRG (Fragmented Rifle Grenade) had been surrendered to authorities as of February 24.

Interior Cabinet secretary said that the three-day amnesty for the surrender of illegal firearms given by the government earlier will not be extended whatsoever.

In regards to the curfew order in parts of the North Rift, Kindiki stated that it has largely been adhered to, save for minor incidences which he says have been dealt with accordingly.

"To date, 124 persons have been arrested for violating the curfew orders and have been arraigned in court," he said.

He called on Kenyans and other allies to work together with security agencies to ensure the success of the security operation.

"As such, we appeal for patriotic solidarity of all the people of Kenya, the friends of Kenya all stakeholders including the media to isolate criminals and draw a line between them and the rest of us," he said.

He reiterated that the security deployment in the North Rift region will remain permanent and will outlive the current operation to flush out livestock-stealing bands of terrorists whom he says have caused immeasurable human suffering for nearly a century.

"However, we are not distracted from other security priorities that the country is facing," he said.