Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Baringo on October 28, 2025/COURTESYInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that a total of 602 illegal firearms have been recovered across the North Rift as the government intensifies its crackdown on gun possession among civilians.
Murkomen said the disarmament exercise has been ongoing, has significantly improved security, and restored normalcy in areas that were once considered volatile.
In Baringo alone, Murkomen said 170 guns have been surrendered.
“There is no area that will be spared. As per the directive that you (President Ruto) gave us with the Inspector General, we will ensure that all guns in civilian hands are removed so that people can live in peace,” he said.
Murkomen made the remarks Tuesday in Baringo County, where he accompanied President William Ruto on his development tour.
He added that the ongoing operation has helped reopen schools that had previously been shut down due to insecurity, adding that communities that were once in constant conflict are now coexisting peacefully.
He also warned politicians against interfering with the process, saying he had already cautioned both elected leaders and aspirants against shielding civilians who still possess illegal weapons.
“Your Excellency, I have friends who are elected and others aspiring for office, but I have told them clearly there is no friendship with anyone defending civilians to possess guns,” he said.
“And there is no public participation or consultation on matters involving illegal firearms operations.”
Murkomen emphasised that the current disarmament drive is different from previous operations, which were often criticised for being brutal and heavy-handed.
He said the exercise is now intelligence-led and humane, supported by improved technology and logistics that allow the government to identify those who own guns, finance banditry, sell ammunition, or traffic stolen livestock.
“Through the resources that we have been given, we now have the capability to identify those who own guns, those who finance banditry, sell ammunition, and those who buy stolen livestock. We can pick them one by one,” he said.
The CS urged individuals still holding illegal weapons to surrender them voluntarily through local chiefs or police stations, warning that the government will deal firmly with those who defy the directive.
“If you want to live and inherit the Kingdom of God, just use the opportunity now, look for your chief or the police station and hand over that firearm before it is too late,” he cautioned.
“Because when we come, it will be a different story.” Murkomen further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a peaceful and prosperous North Rift, saying sustained security and development will ensure the region finally breaks free from the cycle of violence and banditry.
