Inspector-General (IG) Japhet Koome Kanja has issued a directive prohibiting the possession of firearms in 13 areas of Marsabit County that have been declared “security disturbed and dangerous.”
In a notice dated September 11, 2025, Kanja stated that the affected areas include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee, and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
The directive follows a declaration by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who, through a gazette notice, designated the 13 areas as disturbed and dangerous after consultations with the National Security Council. The initial declaration was made in August and has now been extended for another 30 days starting September 13 at 6:30 pm.
According to IG Kanja, all residents in the listed areas are required to surrender any firearms to the nearest police station, post, camp, or government administrative office during the day. However, he emphasized that the move is meant for safe custody and not permanent confiscation. Firearms will be returned to owners once the security notice is lifted.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, all inhabitants of the said areas are ordered, with immediate effect, to surrender all arms in their possession,” the notice reads.
Murkomen added that the notice may be withdrawn or extended further depending on the prevailing security situation in the region.
The government has intensified efforts to curb insecurity in Marsabit County, which has long struggled with inter-communal conflicts and banditry. This latest directive seeks to minimize the circulation of illegal firearms and restore peace in the affected areas.
