Surrender the guns or face law, Murkomen warns Baringo residents

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to residents of Baringo County in possession of illegal firearms.

The CS urged those holding guns illegally to surrender the weapons to authorities or face serious consequences.

Speaking during a peace tournament held in the Chemolingot area, Murkomen appealed for voluntary disarmament as part of efforts to curb escalating insecurity linked to cattle rustling and gun violence in the region.

“Anybody who has an illegal firearm, please surrender it to the government. If you force us to come for the gun, you will be in a lot of problems,” the CS warned.

Murkomen urged individuals with illegal weapons to approach their local area chiefs, Officers Commanding Stations (OCS), or any government official to hand over the guns.

He emphasised the need for community cooperation in achieving lasting peace. 

“That gun is not useful to you. I plead with you with a lot of respect, surrender it,” he added.

The CS also unveiled government plans aimed at addressing the root causes of violence, particularly among the youth.

He announced initiatives to promote sports and cultural programs as alternative sources of income to dissuade young people from engaging in cattle rustling.

“We want to start sports activities in this region so that the youth can earn a living, just like they do in other parts of the country,” he said.

Murkomen condemned individuals involved in the supply of firearms and ammunition, saying they were fueling the deadly cattle rustling trade.

“We know that in the cattle rustling business, it cannot thrive without someone supplying guns and bullets. There are people here in the business of selling bullets — their days are numbered,” he declared.

“You must stop that business. If you do not stop, we are going to stop you.”

Cattle rustling remains a longstanding challenge in Baringo County, often resulting in displacement, loss of life, and disruption of livelihoods.

Traditionally rooted in cultural practices, the activity has become increasingly commercialised and violent, driven by poverty, resource scarcity, and the widespread availability of modern firearms.