The Government Tuesday defended the military against claims that they tortured suspects during the ongoing security operation in Mt Elgon District.

Cabinet ministers George Saitoti and Yusuf Haji, while touring the area, said the army conducted itself professionally in the crackdown on militiamen in the area.

Prof Saitoti (Internal Security) and Mr Haji (Defence) said those alleging soldiers tortured civilians were sympathisers of Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF).

Mr Haji called on SLDF members still at large to surrender saying they would be granted amnesty.

He spoke after laying the foundation stone at the newly established Bananteca military base in the disputed Phase Three of Chebyuk Settlement Scheme.

And the head of the troops deployed in the area, Colonel Stephen Boiywo, revealed that the militia had a cache of arms in "a secret storage."

While briefing the ministers at Kapkota military camp, Col Boiywo said 100 rifles had been recovered so far but security personnel and area residents believe more weapons that had been purchased by the militia are still intact at unknown location.

Col Boiywo termed the security operation a success, saying the soldiers had cleared 47 caves and seven training grounds that were being used by SLDF.

Mr Haji said the troops deployed to fight SLDF in March this year would not leave.

Reported by Bernard Kwalia, Sammy Cheboi and Fred Mukinda