Efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the Kerio Valley region have received a significant boost after 22 illegal firearms and over 100 rounds of ammunition were voluntarily surrendered by residents. The disarmament exercise is part of a wider government initiative aimed at addressing insecurity and recurring armed conflicts in the North Rift.
The surrendered weapons, mostly AK-47 rifles, were handed over to the local security team in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The process was facilitated by the involvement of peace committees, community elders, and local leaders across several areas including Ketut, Mokoro, Murukutwo, Chesuman, Mon, Chemwonyo, Chechan, and Koibirir. The firearms are now secured at Tot Police Station as authorities continue to encourage more residents to embrace voluntary disarmament.
Officials have described the exercise as a major milestone in advancing community-driven solutions to security challenges. The surrender demonstrates the growing willingness of residents to support peace initiatives, reduce the circulation of illegal weapons, and strengthen trust between communities and security agencies.
The government has reiterated its commitment to pursuing peace through collaboration with locals. Residents were assured that those voluntarily surrendering weapons will not face reprisals, as the focus remains on reconciliation and stability. Authorities have emphasized that continued cooperation and information-sharing will be crucial in ending the cycle of violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
This latest surrender comes just a day after communities in Kolowa, Elgeyo Marakwet, voluntarily handed over seven AK-47 rifles. The handovers mark a series of positive developments in the North Rift, where insecurity has long been fueled by inter-communal conflicts, cattle rustling, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
The government’s wider disarmament campaign, anchored under the Jukwa la Usalama strategy, seeks to integrate voluntary firearm surrender with broader community peace-building measures. Security agencies have highlighted the importance of local peace committees in building dialogue, easing tensions, and creating the trust needed for such initiatives to succeed.
As the disarmament drive gathers momentum, authorities are urging more residents to take part in the initiative. By reducing the number of illegal weapons in circulation, the government hopes to mitigate conflict triggers, safeguard lives, and pave the way for social and economic development in the Kerio Valley and beyond.
