Two illegal firearms and ten rounds of ammunition were voluntarily handed over on Thursday at Tot Police Station in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County, marking another step in ongoing efforts to promote peaceful disarmament in the region.
The National Police Service said the surrender took place without any incident and described it as a positive sign of growing trust between residents and security agencies. Police noted that such cooperation is key to restoring long-term peace in areas that have for years struggled with insecurity linked to illegal firearms.
“The voluntary handover was conducted peacefully and without incident, reaffirming the growing trust and cooperation between local communities and security agencies,” the NPS said.
According to police, the handover reflects the impact of continued dialogue and confidence-building initiatives, especially in parts of the country where illegal guns have been widespread.
Following the surrender, the National Police Service said it would intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations across Kerio Valley to protect recent security gains and prevent a return to violence.
An illegal firearm surrendered at Tot Police Station, Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday, January 22, 2026. PHOTO/NPS
“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.
Authorities said voluntary disarmament remains a central part of the government’s security approach, aimed at reducing violence while encouraging cooperation between communities and law enforcement rather than force.
Police also emphasized that stronger partnerships with residents are essential to maintaining peace and stability in regions affected by banditry and the spread of illegal firearms.
The latest surrender comes after a wider disarmament drive conducted in 2025, which saw 340 illegal firearms handed over voluntarily across different parts of the country.
The National Police Service acknowledged that disarmament efforts have faced challenges over the years, including political interference, the existence of an illegal firearms market, low public awareness of the development benefits tied to peace, and cross-border governance issues.
However, police said these challenges are slowly easing, as shown by recent voluntary gun surrenders in several regions.
The NPS continues to urge the public to report illegal firearms or suspicious activity through nearby police stations, toll-free lines 999, 911 or 112, or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
Similar disarmament efforts are also ongoing in other areas. In the past week, at least 11 illegal firearms have been surrendered in Tana River County following the launch of a 60-day amnesty aimed at restoring peace in communities affected by inter-community clashes.
On January 12, the Coast regional security team directed the Orma and Degodia communities to surrender illegal weapons after violence linked to pasture and water disputes in late 2025 left at least 14 people dead.
Since the directive was issued, the Degodia community has handed over five firearms, while the Orma community has surrendered six.
Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir, speaking after receiving two more firearms from the Orma community at Bangali Police Station, praised the involvement of community elders.
“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 residents to use the amnesty period to hand in illegal weapons, warning that stronger measures could follow once the deadline lapses.
“This is a good beginning. We want all illegal guns handed over to avoid forced disarmament after the amnesty expires,” he added.
Kipkorir linked the spread of illegal firearms to the county’s vast size and porous borders, urging residents to rely on government security instead of acquiring weapons unlawfully.
For the National Police Service, the latest surrender in Kerio Valley is seen as further evidence that steady engagement, dialogue and trust-building can gradually reduce the number of illegal firearms in communities that have long faced insecurity.
