Residents surrender illegal firearm in Laikipia

Police in Laikipia County have received an illegally held firearm that was voluntarily surrendered in the Louniek area of Kirima Sub-County. 

The move highlights the community’s growing confidence in the ongoing peace and disarmament initiatives led by the government.

The National Police Service said the surrendered weapon, an AK-47 rifle with one empty magazine, has been placed in safe custody at Olmoran Police Station pending further administrative action.

This latest surrender contributes to the ongoing progress in Kirima Sub-County, where a total of 10 illegal firearms have now been voluntarily surrendered. 

These include nine AK-47 rifles, one carbine rifle, 56 rounds of ammunition, 13 magazines and one bayonet, reflecting the sustained impact of collaborative security efforts in the region.

On November 13, Police in Baringo County recovered four illegally held rifles that were voluntarily surrendered in Orus Location, Tiaty East Sub-County.

The firearms were handed in alongside four magazines and eight rounds of ammunition.

NPS said that the recovered weapons were secured and held pending further action.

On November 9, Police in Baringo County received one illegal firearm voluntarily surrendered by a member of the public in Mukutani Sub-County.

Then, NPS said the surrendered arm brought the total number of illegally held firearms surrendered in the County to 271, alongside 879 rounds of ammunition.

On November 4, six individuals from the Kipchumwa, Wewe, Endul, and Maron sub-locations of Marakwet sub-county in the region voluntarily surrendered six illegal rifles and 27 rounds of ammunition to police officers at Embobut Police Station.

"The National Police Service commends the communities in the area for their immense support towards Operation Rudisha Bunduki and encourages continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies in promoting peace and security in the area,” a statement said, then. 

Police have been running the North Rift peace stabilisation initiative, which has seen communities gradually hand over illegal weapons to authorities in a bid to reduce crime and strengthen security.

The voluntary surrender of firearms has been central to this strategy, ensuring that conflicts fuelled by illegal arms are minimised and that residents can live in safer environments.

Police say the programme’s success depends on continued community engagement, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

NPS reports that a total of 396 illegal firearms and 1,503 rounds of ammunition have so far been surrendered through collaborative security operations.

The service has commended the cooperation of local leaders and community members, whose continued support is vital to enhancing regional security and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The Service urged the public to share any information that may aid in the further recovery of illegal firearms and strengthen community safety. 

Reports can be made through the National Police Service toll-free numbers 999, 911, and 112, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.