NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared a one-month amnesty for individuals holding illegal firearms, ammunition and other associated weapons to voluntarily surrender them to the authorities.
The amnesty was announced by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on behalf of Murkomen during the launch of Africa Amnesty Month 2026 at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi.
Murkomen urged individuals in possession of illicit small arms and light weapons to use the amnesty period to surrender them, saying voluntary disarmament was critical to promoting lasting peace and security.
“Conflicts must not be settled by the might of a firearm, but by the force of law. The property of one community can no longer be allowed to change hands through the crack of gunfire, but through willing exchange in the marketplace,” Murkomen said.
Amnesty Offers Protection From Prosecution
The annual amnesty gives individuals an opportunity to voluntarily surrender unregistered or illegally held firearms and ammunition to security agencies without facing criminal prosecution over possession of the surrendered weapons during the amnesty period.
Authorities have urged communities and individuals holding illegal firearms to take advantage of the window before it expires.
Those who retain illegal firearms after the amnesty period face enforcement action, including possible seizure of the weapons and prosecution under the law.
Kanja assured those surrendering firearms that the government had put measures in place to protect them during the process.
He said security officers and members of the National Police Reserve had been deployed across the country to support the disarmament exercise.
“We are going to continue strengthening the National Police Reserve to ensure that all our areas are fully covered,” Kanja said.
Amnesty Linked To AU ‘Silencing The Guns’ Initiative
Africa Amnesty Month is observed as part of efforts to support the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative, which seeks to reduce the circulation of illicit firearms and ammunition that contribute to armed conflict and insecurity.
The initiative encourages the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons while supporting broader efforts to address community violence and insecurity.
The Kenyan government has continued to link the recovery of illegal firearms to efforts to curb banditry and armed violence in parts of the country.
Security Operations Intensified In Samburu And Isiolo
The announcement comes days after the government intensified security operations in Samburu and Isiolo counties following a series of banditry attacks.
Murkomen said on Saturday that the operations were targeting individuals suspected of possessing illegal firearms and those attacking police officers, civilians and livestock.
He said security agencies would continue pursuing people involved in armed attacks.
The Interior CS also disclosed that more than 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition had so far been recovered in the Kerio Valley.
The latest amnesty provides another opportunity for individuals holding illegal weapons to surrender them voluntarily as the government steps up efforts to reduce the circulation of firearms and ammunition.
