In a show of growing support for peace, six residents of Marakwet Sub-County in Elgeyo Marakwet County handed over six illegal rifles along with 27 rounds of ammunition to police at Embobut Police Station on Tuesday.
Authorities hailed the move as a key step forward in the government’s ongoing efforts to end long-standing insecurity in the North Rift through Operation Rudisha Bunduki.
The National Police Service (NPS) reported that Elgeyo Marakwet County has now seen a total of 299 illegal firearms, 2,173 rounds of ammunition, and one grenade voluntarily surrendered since the start of the exercise. The trend reflects stronger community cooperation with law enforcement to restore safety and stability in the region.
“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,” the Service said in a statement.
The NPS encouraged residents to continue providing information that could assist in the ongoing disarmament campaign, highlighting channels for anonymous reporting.
“Members of the public are urged to share any information that may assist in the ongoing disarmament exercise anonymously through the toll-free hotlines 999, 911, 112, or via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 / WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” the statement added.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told Senators on Wednesday that the recent surrender demonstrates a wider transformation taking place across the North Rift.
“Since my reassignment to this ministry, we have made significant progress in containing banditry and livestock theft across the North Rift and Upper Eastern through Operation Maliza Uhalifu,” Murkomen said.
“Our security agencies have successfully silenced the guns in a number of parts of the neighboring counties.”
He said the peace initiatives have allowed trading centers to reopen, children to return to school, and families to rebuild after years of violence and displacement.
“These gains were realized through intelligence-led, targeted operations and close coordination among security agencies,” Murkomen noted. “Building on this development, we have entered a new phase focused on rehabilitation. In July 2025, I extended an olive branch for the surrender of illegal firearms, leading to the recovery of 600 weapons and the surrender of several notorious bandits.”
Murkomen emphasized that the government is now prioritizing programs to help former bandits reintegrate into society through education, skills training, and support for livelihoods.
“These efforts, coupled with development projects under President William Ruto’s administration, are ensuring that the North Rift is firmly on the path to lasting peace and prosperity,” the CS said.
