A community-driven campaign to remove illegal firearms from Tana River County has recorded fresh gains after residents voluntarily handed over three firearms and 43 rounds of ammunition during separate operations coordinated by security agencies.
The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement released on Friday, July 10, 2026, said the recoveries were made on Thursday, July 9, through the support of members of the public working alongside a multi-agency security team.
Police said two AK-47 rifles and 35 rounds of ammunition were surrendered by residents in Bangale, while another firearm and eight rounds of ammunition were handed over in a separate operation in Tana North Sub-County.
According to the NPS, the voluntary surrender of the weapons shows that more residents are responding positively to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing the number of illegal firearms in the county.
“Beyond the numbers, the recoveries reflect an approach that places communities at the centre of security interventions.”
“The multi-agency approach, working in close coordination with local stakeholders, continues to create an environment in which members of the public are increasingly choosing dialogue and cooperation over silence,” the NPS said.
The service added that continued interaction between police officers and local communities has strengthened trust and encouraged more residents to hand over illegally held weapons peacefully.
“The National Police Service continues to maintain regular interactions with residents, building confidence and encouraging the peaceful handover of illegally held weapons, with the shared objective of enhancing public safety and ensuring lasting peace and security,” the statement added.
The development comes as Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen steps up the fight against banditry, warning those funding and organising attacks in Samburu, West Pokot, Tiaty and Isiolo that they will be tracked down.
Addressing residents in Lolmolok, Suguta Ward, Samburu County, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Murkomen said security agencies had identified the sponsors of the attacks and would use intelligence-led operations to bring them to justice.
“We know where you are, and we will come for you. Through intelligence-led operations, we will find you wherever you are, regardless of who you are, and we must deal with you,” he said.