Church leaders in the North Rift have lauded the government’s ongoing ‘Rudisha Bunduki’ disarmament operation in the Kerio Valley, saying it has brought renewed hope for lasting peace in a region long ravaged by banditry.
According to Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, more than 345 illegal firearms have been voluntarily surrendered in the past month alone.
The guns include 245 handed over in Elgeyo Marakwet and 65 from Tiaty, one of the most volatile areas.
Murkomen said over 100 former bandits have also surrendered and abandoned the practice, adding that the improved security has set the stage for the revival of development projects.
“We are grateful to residents for supporting efforts to end banditry. We urge those still holding illegal guns to surrender them during the ongoing amnesty,” the CS said.
Catholic Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Diocese welcomed the progress, saying peace efforts must continue until all affected communities can rebuild their lives.
“We want the government to do everything possible to ensure the people of Kerio Valley enjoy lasting peace and stability,” he said.
Other clerics, including Bishops Paul Kimutai and Jane Keter, praised the surrender of guns, saying communities were beginning to see the benefits of cooperation with security agencies.
“We are happy that our people are voluntarily returning illegal guns that have caused so much suffering,” said Kimutai.
The church leaders also called for the revival of stalled development projects—including schools, hospitals and colleges—saying improved infrastructure and education would help sustain peace.
“We must see our institutions working again so that our people can live better lives,” Keter said, urging continuous dialogue and community involvement in peacebuilding.
Teachers in the region also noted positive results from the operation.
Knut secretary in Elgeyo Marakwet, John Cheberi, said more children have returned to school following improved security, with 35 institutions previously closed now expected to reopen.
“Teachers and learners are now reporting to school without fear. We urge the government to maintain this momentum,” Cheberi said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich confirmed that all markets in the Kerio Valley have been reopened after two years of closure due to insecurity, adding that the area is now over 80 per cent secure.
The government has set aside Sh1 billion to accelerate reconstruction and development programmes across the region.
