Two firearms surrendered to Tot police station in Kerio Valley

Two additional firearms and 10 rounds of ammunition were surrendered to Tot police station in Kerio Valley during a peaceful disarmament exercise conducted by the National Police Service (NPS) with support from other security agencies.

Police confirmed the handover was conducted peacefully.

“The voluntary handover was conducted peacefully and without incident, underscoring the growing trust and cooperation between local communities and security agencies,” the NPS said.

The service said it would continue to reinforce patrols and intelligence-led operations as part of ongoing community engagement efforts aimed at restoring peace in the region.

“The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to continuing the disarmament exercise through peaceful means and community engagement, while enhancing patrols and strategic operations to ensure lasting peace and security in Kerio Valley,” the NPS added.

The initiative follows a 2025 exercise that resulted in the voluntary surrender of 340 illegal firearms.

Authorities say increased cooperation between residents and policing agencies is critical to maintaining peace and stability.

Over the years, the exercise has faced challenges, including the politicisation of disarmament, the firearm black market, limited awareness of development benefits, and cross-border governance issues.

Officials say these barriers are now gradually weakening, as shown by the recent handover of illegal guns.

The NPS continues to encourage residents to report illegal firearms or suspicious activity through nearby police stations, toll-free hotlines 999, 911, 112, or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000.

In the last week, at least 11 illegal firearms have been handed over to security authorities in Tana River County, following a 60-day amnesty aimed at restoring peace in areas affected by inter-community clashes.

On January 12, the Coast regional security team directed the Orma and Degodia communities to surrender illegal guns in their possession after a conflict over pasture and water in late 2025 left at least 14 people dead.

So far, the Degodia community has handed in five firearms, while the Orma community has surrendered six.

Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir, speaking after receiving two more guns from the Orma community at Bangali police station, thanked elders from both communities for supporting the disarmament exercise.

“We have received two firearms surrendered by the Orma community. We thank the elders for ensuring their people comply with the 60-day directive,” Kipkorir said.

He urged the communities to take full advantage of the amnesty, warning that the government would consider force if all guns were not surrendered by the deadline.

“This is a good beginning. We want all illegal guns handed over to avoid forced disarmament after the amnesty expires,” he added.

Kipkorir also attributed the influx of illegal firearms to the county’s vast size and porous borders, urging residents to rely on government protection rather than acquiring weapons illegally.