Government to launch forceful disarmament in Tana River County after amnesty ends

The government has completed preparations for a forceful disarmament operation in Tana River County following the expiry of a 60-day amnesty that allowed residents to surrender illegal firearms without facing prosecution, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has announced.

Nuno announced this at the Tana River County Commissioner's office after security officials received two firearms and six rounds of ammunition voluntarily surrendered by members of the public.

The weapons were handed over as part of the government's efforts to encourage residents to give up illegal firearms before the planned operation begins.

The disarmament exercise follows weeks of renewed violence in parts of Tana River County, where inter-community clashes have claimed lives and displaced families. Security agencies believe the widespread possession of illegal firearms has fuelled recurring conflict in the area and say the operation is aimed at restoring peace and improving security.

Last week, at least six people were killed in fresh clashes between members of the Wardey and Degodia communities in Bangale Sub-County. The violence also claimed the life of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in Bangale, who suffered a cardiac arrest that authorities believe was aggravated by the ongoing security operation.

Providing an update on the security situation, Nuno said the officially confirmed death toll stood at six, although there were unverified reports of further fighting involving armed groups in nearby forests.

“There are about six fatalities formally reported, and there are also unconfirmed reports of militia and bandits engaging in the forests; still, we can’t confirm the exact number, but so far, the officially reported figure is six fatalities, including the loss of life of our OCS Bangale, which was as a result of cardiac arrest,” Nuno said.

The regional police commander said security agencies had finalised preparations for the forceful disarmament exercise after the government mobilised the necessary resources. He explained that although the amnesty period had expired earlier, the operation was delayed because it coincided with the month of Ramadan and logistical preparations were still underway.

Nuno warned that anyone still in possession of illegal firearms should surrender them immediately before the operation begins, adding that those found with illegal weapons would face prosecution. He also warned politicians and individuals accused of inciting ethnic hatred, tribal violence and political intolerance that they would face the law.

“The government is set. The forceful disarmament will take off anytime. We had given a sixty-day amnesty, and immediately after the lapse of those days, there was the month of Ramadan, and we had to look for resources as a government, but now we are set. Between now and the commencement of that forceful disarmament, there is a leeway for any person with a firearm to surrender. Any perpetrator of tribal and ethnic violence and political intolerance must face the full force of the law,” he added.

The government introduced the two-month amnesty earlier this year to encourage residents to surrender illegal firearms voluntarily without facing prosecution. Officials say that phase has now ended, and the next stage will involve security officers carrying out a forceful disarmament operation across affected parts of the county.

Tana River County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi called on local leaders, elders and religious leaders to support government efforts to end the violence by addressing its root causes and promoting dialogue among communities.

He said lasting peace can only be achieved if all communities work together and reject violence, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring stability in Tana River ahead of next year's General Election.

“We will continue with the process of bringing peace in Tana River County. We will bring together all the communities, all the elders and religious leaders so that we unite in restoring peace,” Mwangi said.

He also warned against reports of people bringing outsiders into the county to take part in the clashes, saying security agencies were aware of the allegations and would take action against those responsible.

“What we now want is a peaceful Tana River, not just for now but all through to the next year’s general elections. Forceful disarmament is a must. We have information on some people bringing other people from other areas to fight here; this is not a battlefield. Tana River is not a place of war,” he added.