Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has prohibited the possession of firearms in several parts of Marsabit County that have been declared security-disturbed and dangerous.
Kanja ordered residents to surrender all arms to authorities with immediate effect.
The prohibition was issued under Section 106(2)(a) of the National Police Service Act after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen extended the declaration of the affected areas for another 30 days.
The areas covered by the directive include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Inspector-General of National Police Service prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County declared as security disturbed and dangerous,” the notice issued by Kanja states.
Residents of the affected areas have been ordered to surrender all firearms in their possession to the nearest police station, police post, police camp or National Government Administration office during daylight hours for safe custody.
“All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice,” the Inspector-General said.
Murkomen noted that the decision to extend the declaration was reached after consultations with the National Security Council and in accordance with the provisions of the National Police Service Act.
The Interior Ministry said the latest measures are aimed at restoring security in parts of Marsabit that have been affected by cattle rustling and other forms of armed criminal activity.
According to the ministry, the temporary restrictions are intended to create an environment that allows security agencies to conduct operations more effectively while protecting civilians and preventing further attacks.
The order comes amid intensified security operations in the county following the recovery of 251 sheep and goats by security officers in
Loiyangalani after a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits.
Security agencies said the recovery followed an intensive pursuit that led officers to
Lokilipi and Sarima, where they confronted armed suspects believed to have been behind the livestock theft.
The operation escalated into an exchange of gunfire between the security team and the suspects. Faced with what authorities described as a superior response from the officers, the bandits abandoned the stolen livestock and fled.
Security officials say the latest restrictions in Marsabit
are part of a broader strategy to disarm criminal groups, disrupt their
operations and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
