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Kenyan President Bans Cross-Border Trade With Somalia
Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi has directed Police Commissioner Philemon Abong'o to ensure no cross-border trade with Somalia, local newspapers reported on Sunday.
The move was aimed at curbing the inflow of small arms, which are believed to contribute to the growing wave of crimes in the country, the Presidential Press Service said on Saturday.
Speaking at a fund-raising drive in Lamu District in eastern Kenya, Moi said Kenya had fallen a prey to insecurity because of the proliferation of illegal firearms from the strife-torn neighbor country.
He said the border trade would remain closed until Somalia forms a central government. Somalia has been without a central government since the overthrow of Mohammed Siad Barre 10 years ago. A transitional government was established last year.
Moi noted that Kenya showed hospitality by accommodating refugees from Somalia, but they had abused their welcome by bringing illegal firearms into the country, saying the Somalis were to be blamed for the current state of insecurity in Kenya.
The president also directed the commissioners in Mombasa, Lamu and Tana River districts which provide sanctuary for refugees to be vigilant and mop up guns in illegal hands.
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