ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya – The government’s voluntary disarmament campaign in Elgeyo Marakwet County continues to gather momentum, with two more illegal AK-47 rifles surrendered at Embobut Police Station on Tuesday.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), a total of 301 illegal firearms, 2,175 rounds of ammunition, and one rifle grenade have so far been recovered in the county since the operation began.
The NPS commended residents for their growing cooperation, saying the community’s support was key to restoring lasting peace and security in the volatile Kerio Valley region.
“We urge the public to continue providing information through their nearest police station or via toll-free hotlines 999, 911, or 112. Anonymous tips can also be shared through the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative,” the police said in a statement.
DISARMAMENT EXERCISE IN ELGEYO MARAKWET CONTINUES TO YIELD RESULTSThe ongoing voluntary disarmament exercise in Elgeyo Marakwet County made significant progress yesterday, with two further illegal AK-47 firearms surrendered at Embobut Police Station.To date, 301 illegal
The ongoing disarmament is part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a multi-agency effort targeting cattle rustling and armed banditry across eight northern counties — Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru, and Isiolo.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government was pursuing a two-pronged strategy: strengthening security operations while investing in long-term economic development.
He announced a fresh vetting exercise for National Police Reservists (NPRs) and a new policy placing them under the command of local police station chiefs to improve accountability.
Murkomen also outlined measures to revive agriculture in the region, including subsidized farm inputs and extension services, as part of efforts to promote farming as an alternative livelihood and curb dependence on livestock.
For decades, banditry and cattle raids have ravaged communities in the Kerio Valley, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. Stolen livestock is often sold in urban markets, fueling what authorities describe as a “criminal industry.”
The government hopes that the combination of security reforms and development initiatives will gradually break the grip of banditry on Kenya’s northern frontier.
Murkomen urged individuals still holding illegal weapons to surrender them through chiefs, police, or other government officials, warning that such firearms “are not useful to you” and should be handed over peacefully.
