Voluntary disarmament gaining momentum in North Rift, at least 100 firearms surrendered
The latest cache of 19 additional firearms, 109 rounds of assorted ammunition, and one rifle grenade was handed over to security officers in Kerio Valley.
At least 100 firearms have been surrendered this week to security agencies in the North Rift region, where a voluntary disarmament exercise is underway.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the latest cache of 19 additional firearms, 109 rounds of assorted ammunition, and one rifle grenade was handed over to security officers in Kerio Valley.
"The ongoing security operation in Kerio Valley is continuing to achieve significant success, particularly in the Tot and Chesongoch areas. This achievement adds to the steady progress made in disarmament and demonstrates growing community cooperation in the fight against armed crime," said NPS.
More To Read
- Murkomen hails recruitment of 10,000 police constables to boost national security
- CS Murkomen backs mandatory e-procurement adoption amid legal pushback
- NPSC announces dates for recruitment of 10,000 police constables
- Governor Sakaja revives County Policing Authority to tackle rising crime
- IPOA launches ambitious strategic plan to transform policing in Kenya
- Murkomen says Kenya and Uganda finalising deal to resolve Lake Victoria row
NPS added it is committed to sustaining this momentum through continuous dialogue, targeted operations, and collaboration with the community to rid the Kerio Valley of illegal arms, paving the way for lasting peace and socio-economic development in the region.
"The success of this exercise represents a critical milestone in strengthening national security and fostering long-term stability in the region. It works to eliminate illegal firearms, which greatly increase the risk of armed conflict, banditry, and violent crime - issues that have historically undermined community safety. It also underscores the power of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual trust between security agencies and the communities they serve," added NPS.
On Thursday, another cache of 57 rifles and rounds of ammunition was voluntarily surrendered at Tot Police Station by residents.
Earlier on the same day, the police had arrested a bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, one magazine pouch, and 128 rounds of ammunition following a shootout with armed bandits in the Dumpsite area of Garissa Town.
The suspect was rushed to Garissa County Referral Hospital and admitted in a fair condition as police sought the remaining bandits.
Still on the same day, NPS announced that 41 more illegal firearms and ammunition had been voluntarily surrendered in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the previous day. The surrendered firearms were secured pending further administrative action.
"The National Police Service commends the individuals for heeding the call to surrender illegal weapons and urges others still in possession of such arms to follow suit," NSP said at the time.
On September 17, an illegal firearm was voluntarily surrendered to security officers in West Pokot by a resident.
Police said the weapon, an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, was surrendered yesterday in Rorok Village, Kositot Sub-Location of Cheptulel Location.
The firearm was handed over to security officers via the Assistant County Commissioner, Chesegon Division, and the area Assistant Chief for safe custody, pending further administrative action.
On September 16, 10 illegal firearms, rounds of ammunition, and a cleaning kit were surrendered in Kerio Valley by Security agencies in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The firearms were secured, awaiting further administrative action.
A day earlier, five residents from Sagat, Kasemoi, and Marich Sub-Locations of Tot Division in Kerio Valley Sub-County voluntarily surrendered illegal firearms to security agencies as part of the ongoing disarmament exercise.
The cache included three AK-47 rifles, each with an empty magazine; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing eight rounds of ammunition; and another AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing five rounds of ammunition.
"All weapons have been secured pending further administrative action. The National Police Service commends these individuals for this bold step and appreciates the support of local leaders and communities in advancing peace and security in the Kerio Valley. Members of the public are encouraged to emulate this gesture by surrendering any illegal arms in their possession and by sharing information that may assist in disarmament and crime prevention," NPS said.
The service has commended the individuals who heeded the call to surrender illegal weapons and urged others still in possession of such arms to follow suit.
While touring the region, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen extended an olive branch to individuals with illegal guns to surrender them ahead of a forceful disarmament exercise.
Top Stories Today
