Residents of Kerio Valley in Elgeyo Marakwet County have handed over 27 illegal firearms to the police as part of ongoing efforts to promote peace and reduce violence in the region. The surrendered firearms include a mix of AK-47 and G3 rifles, which were voluntarily given to law enforcement officers in the town of Tot.
The initiative, supported by local Peace Committees, has received significant cooperation from the community members in areas like Ketut, Chemwonyo, Kibaimwa, Mon, Chesuman, Kaben, and Endo. These efforts contribute to a broader push to improve security in the region, which has been plagued by conflicts linked to illegal firearms.
The National Police Service (NPS) commended the initiative, noting that it was the result of strong community collaboration. The firearms, along with a substantial number of rounds of ammunition, are now in police custody. This latest surrender brings the total number of firearms collected under the “Operation Rudisha Bunduki” campaign to 232. The operation is part of the government’s broader strategy to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons in Kenya.
Local leaders, elders, and residents were praised for prioritizing security over conflict, demonstrating their commitment to peace. The NPS has urged other members of the public to continue supporting the initiative by providing information and surrendering any illegal arms they may possess.
This firearm surrender effort is part of a national trend, as the Kenyan government intensifies measures to address the issue of illegal weapons. A few weeks ago, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, implemented a ban on firearm possession in 13 areas within Marsabit County, which had been designated as security-disturbed zones. Residents in these areas have been ordered to surrender their firearms to local police stations or government offices for safe custody.
President William Ruto has also shown his support for disarmament, marking the 20th anniversary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms by overseeing the destruction of over 6,000 firearms.
While the surrender and safe custody of firearms are temporary, with plans for their return once security stabilizes, the initiative signals a strong move towards enhancing public safety and fostering trust between the government and local communities in conflict-prone areas.
