IG of Police Douglas Kanja bans firearms, orders immediate surrender in Marsabit's troubled zones

IG of Police Douglas Kanja bans firearms, orders immediate surrender in Marsabit's troubled zones

The order, published in a gazette notice dated July 10, 2025, takes effect immediately and applies to 13 localities under the ongoing security operation.

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has issued a fresh directive banning the possession of firearms in specific areas of Marsabit County declared as disturbed and dangerous.

The order, published in a gazette notice dated July 10, 2025, takes effect immediately and applies to 13 localities under the ongoing security operation.

The ban follows the recent extension by the Interior Ministry of a declaration made in May that marked the listed areas as insecure due to ongoing conflict and instability.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Inspector-General of National Police Service prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County declared as security disturbed and dangerous,” stated the notice.

The areas affected by the directive 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.

Residents living in these locations have been ordered to hand over any firearms in their possession to the nearest police or administrative office during the day for safe custody.

“On the taking effect of this notice, all inhabitants of the said areas are ordered, with immediate effect, to surrender all arms in their possession to the nearest Police Station, Police Post, Police

Camp and National Government Administration offices during the hours of the day for safe custody,” the Inspector General directed.

The police clarified that the weapons will be returned to their rightful owners once the ban is lifted or the operation is concluded.

“All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice,” added Kanja in the gazette notice.

The move comes amid stepped-up efforts by the government to curb violence, disarm illegal groups, and stabilise the region.

Security agencies continue to monitor the affected zones, which have experienced repeated unrest, intercommunal fighting, and rising insecurity.

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