The National Police Service (NPS) has expressed confidence that the ongoing disarmament operation in Kerio Valley is registering major gains, with 19 more firearms, dozens of rounds of assorted ammunition, and a rifle grenade surrendered to security officers in Tot and Chesongoch areas.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the service said the recovery marked another milestone in its efforts to rid the region of illegal arms and reduce armed crime.
"The ongoing security operation in Kerio Valley is continuing to achieve significant success, particularly in the Tot and Chesongoch areas. Yesterday, 19 additional firearms, 109 rounds of assorted ammunition, and one rifle grenade were handed over to security officers," the statement read.
The weapons were handed over voluntarily as part of an intensified operation and community outreach programme.
“The achievement adds to the steady progress made in disarmament and demonstrates growing community cooperation in the fight against armed crime,” the NPS said.
Security teams deployed in the valley are combining dialogue with targeted operations to trace and recover weapons still in circulation.
Local leaders and residents are being engaged to encourage voluntary surrender of firearms, a move police say is critical to restoring lasting peace.
According to the police, the strategy is to sustain the momentum through continuous engagement, law-enforcement action, and partnership with the public.
This, it said, will pave the way for stability and socio-economic development in an area long affected by banditry and inter-community clashes.
"The NPS remains 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 statement concluded.
Authorities believe the reduction of illegal firearms will significantly cut incidents of banditry and other forms of armed criminality that have historically undermined the region’s stability.
