Government extends security operation in Marsabit, declares multiple areas dangerous for 30 more days

The government has extended the declaration of several parts of Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous areas for another 30 days in a move aimed at addressing ongoing security concerns.

In a gazette notice dated April 24, 2026, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the extension was made under Section 106(6) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, and followed consultations with the National Security Council.

Affected areas 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.

Murkomen said the move shall take effect on April 23, 2026, at 6:30 pm, for a period of 30 days.

However, the notice may at any time be "withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Kenya Gazette direct.”

At the same time, National Police Service Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has prohibited the possession of arms in the same areas that were declared security disturbed and dangerous.

"In Exercise of the powers conferred by section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County declared as security disturbed and dangerous by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration: 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, Hillo Godde Haroressa," he said in the same gazette notice.

Kanja directed residents to surrender all weapons immediately to the nearest police station, police post, police camp or National Government Administration offices during daytime hours 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,” reads the notice.

Kanja added that all arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of the notice.