The government’s anti-banditry campaign in the North Rift region has reached a major milestone, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announcing the voluntary surrender of more than 700 illegal guns so far.
Murkomen, who spoke in Elgeyo-Marakwet, described the turnaround as “unbelievable”, saying he never imagined the community he grew up in would willingly hand over weapons that have fuelled violence for years.
“Even me, I don’t believe it,” he said. “For people to be surrendering their guns voluntarily, it is unbelievable.”
Baringo has surrendered 370 firearms, he said, while Elgeiyo Marakwet has crossed 300.
He, however, stated that West Pokot was still making “slow progress”.
The CS used the opportunity to urge those who have yet to surrender to do so, warning that the government has intelligence on all illegal gun owners and expects full compliance.
“We know where your gun is, how many guns you have, who you are,” he said.
"We have asked everybody to give us those illegal guns. We mean business.”
Murkomen also announced that the government is preparing to burn the recovered weapons once it crosses a 1,000 mark as a lasting symbol of the end of the banditry era.
"We have agreed with the President that when it crosses over 1,000, we'll go and burn them somewhere in Kolowo or Tot, and as a signature that we will never go back there again," he said.
He linked the renewed momentum to the killing of Father Allois Bett, which he said became the moment the state drew a line in the sand.
“It was sad that we lost him, but that was the day we said never again,” he said.
"Whether people say what they want to say, we will do what we need to do.”
The CS reiterated that peace is no longer fragile in Kerio Valley, declaring it permanent and backed by a sustained security operation.
Community and security officials say the ongoing surrender of guns, combined with increased government presence and new infrastructure, is finally laying the foundation for long-term stability in a region long scarred by banditry.
Elgeyo Marakwet county police commander Benson Mulinge recently said the security situation in Kerio Valley has improved significantly in recent weeks, with residents now enjoying better safety.
Mulinge said police are working with local communities to ensure lasting peace.
“This is very positive progress and we are hoping to make more gains in the near future so that our people can enjoy lasting peace and security,” he said.
Murkomen also announced that Tot will have an airport or airstrip within a year.
He said the government is determined to replace decades of neglect with a strong, permanent presence that includes infrastructure, administration and law enforcement.
“I’ll surprise you that in less than a year, you will have an airport or an airstrip in Tot,” he said. “We are happy with the operation that has gone on in Kerio Valley.”
The CS said the aviation facility will serve as a strategic asset for security operations and also open up the region to investment and emergency response services.
