Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said 602 illegal firearms have been recovered in the North Rift, marking a major step in the government’s ongoing efforts to curb insecurity and disarm civilians in the region.
Murkomen said the disarmament operation, which has been underway for several months, has helped restore peace and stability in areas that were once hotspots of conflict. He noted that the exercise has reduced cases of bandit attacks and allowed residents to resume their normal lives.
Speaking in Baringo County on Tuesday during President William Ruto’s development tour, Murkomen said the county had recorded the highest number of surrendered weapons, with 170 guns handed over so far.
“There is no area that will be spared. As per the directive that you (President Ruto) gave us with the Inspector General, we will ensure that all guns in civilian hands are removed so that people can live in peace,” he said.
He explained that the security operation had not only improved safety but also enabled the reopening of schools that had been closed due to persistent insecurity. Murkomen said communities that had previously been in conflict were now coexisting peacefully as trust was being rebuilt.
The Cabinet Secretary cautioned politicians against interfering with the ongoing operation, saying both sitting leaders and aspirants had been warned not to protect civilians still in possession of illegal firearms.
“Your Excellency, I have friends who are elected and others aspiring for office, but I have told them clearly there is no friendship with anyone defending civilians to possess guns,” he said.
Murkomen further stressed that the issue of disarmament was a national security matter that would not be subjected to public consultations. “And there is no public participation or consultation on matters involving illegal firearms operations,” he added.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustain the operation until all illegal firearms are recovered and long-lasting peace is achieved in the region.
