Communities in Baringo County have continued to step forward, handing over illegal firearms and ammunition in a move authorities say is strengthening peace in the North Rift.
The Kenya Police Service reports that residents have voluntarily surrendered a total of 567 rifles and 1,861 rounds under the government-led Operation Maliza Uhalifu, aimed at curbing armed violence in the region.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, police confirmed through an X post that four more AK-47 rifles and 25 rounds of ammunition were turned in, pushing the cumulative total over the past year to 567 firearms. The post emphasized that the amnesty period remains active and encouraged those still in possession of illegal weapons to surrender them without fear.
“Firearms Surrender in Baringo Reaches 567. Residents have voluntarily surrendered 4 more AK-47s and 25 rounds under #OperationMalizaUhalifu, pushing the 1-year total to 567 rifles and 1,861 rounds. The amnesty period is still open,” the police statement reads.
The ongoing voluntary disarmament is part of wider efforts to reduce crime and enhance safety in areas long troubled by cattle theft, inter-community clashes, and bandit attacks. Police say removing illegal firearms is critical to protecting lives and rebuilding trust between residents and security agencies.
Earlier reports show a steady stream of weapons handed in. On November 16, 2025, Orus Location in Tiaty East Sub-County saw residents surrender four illegally held rifles along with four magazines and eight rounds of ammunition, which police secured safely.
At the time, officers highlighted the role of local leaders in encouraging the public to cooperate with the initiative.
A week before that, on November 9, 2025, police in Mukutani Sub-County received one illegal firearm voluntarily surrendered by a resident. This brought the county’s total at that stage to 271 rifles and 879 rounds of ammunition, illustrating a steady upward trend in voluntary compliance.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of community involvement. Peace committees, local leaders, and residents have been credited with convincing individuals to hand over arms without fear of legal consequences during the amnesty period.
Baringo County’s disarmament campaign is part of a broader North Rift strategy focused on dialogue, community policing, and voluntary surrender of firearms, rather than enforcement alone.
Police note that intelligence shared by residents has helped trace illegal weapons and prevent potential attacks, reinforcing the value of public cooperation.
While challenges remain, officials say the growing number of surrendered firearms reflects rising confidence in the process. They maintain that disarmament is key to reducing crime and creating safer, more stable communities in the region.
