Two illegal firearms were surrendered in Turkana County and a further 12 AK 47 rifles handed in at Marich, West Pokot, continuing Kenya’s disarmament drive under Operation Maliza Uhalifu.
NPS officials said on Monday that sustained patrols, community engagement and amnesty appeals are encouraging residents to hand over illicit weapons, contributing to broader efforts to curb crime and banditry that have long plagued northern and Rift Valley regions.
The latest hand‑overs follow coordinated security patrols and public engagement efforts aimed at reducing the circulation of unauthorised weapons that have fueled insecurity in the region.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu brings together multiple security stakeholders, including the police and local leaders, working collaboratively to combat crime and tackle the longstanding problem of illicit firearms proliferation.
The NPS said the voluntary firearm surrenders reflect increasing trust between residents and security forces, an essential component of stabilising communities long affected by banditry and violent crime.
In a separate development on Monday, residents in Pokot Central Sub‑County, West Pokot County handed over twelve illegal firearms at Marich Police Station.
The surrendered weapons included twelve AK‑47 rifles, accompanied by magazines and ammunition, which have been secured pending administrative action.
Security officials commended local leaders and residents for their collaboration, noting that community support is vital to sustaining peace and security in the area.
The continued voluntary hand‑overs come as authorities intensify broader security operations across northern and banditry‑prone regions of Kenya.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently announced a special intelligence‑led multi‑agency operation targeting criminal networks in Mukogodo Forest and surrounding areas along the Laikipia–Isiolo border, following a resurgence in isolated incidents of banditry and violence.
Murkomen said the operation aims to apprehend bandits and their accomplices, recover illegal firearms and ammunition, retrieve stolen livestock, and restore law and order.
“Even as we consolidate the gains made in restoring peace and security,” he noted, isolated insecurity incidents have been reported in parts of the region.
These ongoing security measures are meant to build on earlier disarmament efforts and reinforce regional stability.
The government has also moved to strengthen security infrastructure in affected areas, including fast‑tracking the rehabilitation of key security roads and expanding mobile network coverage to enhance surveillance and emergency response capabilities.
Officials say these improvements are critical to sustaining peace and stability across remote and previously volatile parts of northern Kenya.
As part of its broader strategy, security authorities say the capacity of National Police Reservists will be enhanced to complement regular forces, enabling more effective community outreach, response and enforcement.
The emphasis on joint community and agency participation aims to foster long‑term trust and support for peacebuilding initiatives.
Data from disarmament campaigns indicate that significant numbers of illegal firearms have been surrendered to authorities across the North Rift and surrounding regions.
According to recent reports, communities have handed over more than 1,200 illegal guns during voluntary surrender exercises under the broader disarmament drive, which forms a core element of efforts to reduce armed violence and banditry.
Authorities emphasise that the ongoing amnesty period allows residents to hand in unauthorised weapons without fear of prosecution, a key incentive designed to encourage compliance.
Security officials continue to urge those still in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them at the nearest police station and to support law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities using toll‑free numbers provided by the NPS.
As voluntary surrenders continue, police say the trend demonstrates growing public confidence in the disarmament initiative and the broader commitment of communities to peace and security.
“Operation Maliza Uhalifu continues to record progress,” the NPS said, underlining its dedication to maintaining gains through patrols, public education and collaborative engagement with local leaders and residents.
The government’s sustained focus on recovery of illegal arms, intelligence‑led operations and community participation aims to create conditions for lasting peace and a significant reduction in criminal violence across northern Kenya and the wider region.
