Ruto orders Baringo residents to surrender illegal firearms or face tough action
Ruto said his administration will no longer tolerate armed criminality that has for years fuelled insecurity in the North Rift.
President William Ruto has ordered all civilians in Baringo County to surrender illegal firearms immediately, warning that anyone found in possession of unlicensed guns will face strict action from the government.
Speaking on Tuesday during a rally in Kabarnet Town, Ruto said his administration will no longer tolerate armed criminality that has for years fuelled insecurity in the North Rift, adding that security agencies already know the identities of those holding illegal weapons.
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“For a long time, Baringo has been troubled by insecurity. The time has come to deal with the issue decisively. Bandits, I will deal with them. I want to promise you, these armed cattle thieves, I will sort them out completely,” Ruto said.
Ruto revealed that more than 600 illegal firearms have been surrendered to authorities following a previous amnesty, but warned that many others remain in circulation.
“Don’t deceive yourselves. The government knows everyone who still has a gun. I have given them notice, return the guns early. And if they don’t, nobody should question me. We cannot allow this to be a county of orphans and widows,” he said.
He assured residents that additional police officers have been deployed to restore order and protect communities from bandit attacks. Ruto also directed Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure all firearms are under government control, emphasising that no civilian should be walking around with an unlicensed weapon.
“We know everyone who has a gun, and we are going to come for it. We cannot continue being a county of widows and orphans. I have instructed Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure that all guns are in the hands of security officers,” he said.
During the tour of Marigat and Kabarnet, Ruto laid the foundation for a 382-unit affordable housing project in Marigat, aimed at boosting the town’s status as an emerging urban centre.
He also inspected key road projects, including the 100km Marigat-Mochongoi-Karandi-Ng’arua-Muhotetu junction and Muhotetu-Sipili roads, and the 81km Kasoyo-Riwo-Seretunin-Talai-Kasisit-Kipcherere-Kampi Samaki Road, set to cost Sh207 million under the Kenya Rural Roads Authority.
“These projects will enable farmers to transport produce more efficiently, open new markets, and boost tourism in Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Kerio Valley, and other destinations,” the President said.
On other development initiatives, he announced that the government has allocated Sh1.4 billion to connect 15,000 households to electricity, plans to construct hostels for 1,000 students at the upcoming Kabarnet University, and intends to build 2,000 affordable housing units in Kabarnet Town. Additionally, Sh900 million has been earmarked for a modern stadium, with support from the Kenya Defence Forces.
The President also directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to gazette land for a special economic zone in Kabarnet Town and urged residents to cooperate with former Baringo Senator and Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi.
“We have agreed that we will work together for the benefit of all Kenyans. Division has no place in our country,” he said.
Murkomen added that of the 602 illegal firearms recovered in Kerio Valley, 120 were from Baringo County, and vowed that the crackdown on illegal arms bearers will continue without relent.
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