NGONG, Kenya – President William Ruto on Tuesday presided over the public destruction of more than 6,000 illegal firearms, signalling a renewed push in the country’s fight against the proliferation of small arms.
The weapons—recovered between 2022 and 2025—were destroyed in a symbolic ceremony held in Ngong, Kajiado County, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA).
Speaking at the event, President Ruto said the majority of the firearms had been voluntarily surrendered by members of the public during amnesty and community disarmament campaigns, while the rest were seized by security agencies in targeted operations.
“A firearm in the wrong hands is a direct threat to our safety and stability,” the President said. “It enables lawlessness, escalates violence, and undermines the rule of law.”
Ruto commended the cooperation between security forces and the public, praising civic leaders, religious figures, and community members for promoting peace and security in their regions.
The destruction exercise, the first under Ruto’s administration, is part of Kenya’s wider efforts to rid the country and the region of unlicensed and dangerous weapons.
The last such event took place in 2021 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, when more than 5,000 weapons were incinerated.
Ruto also issued a fresh appeal to individuals still in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them under the ongoing government amnesty, warning that possession of such arms remains a criminal offence.
“Do not wait. An illegal firearm does not protect you—it endangers you,” he said. “If you have genuine concerns about your security, talk to law enforcement. We are here to listen and to provide support lawfully.”
At the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong’, Kajiado County, for the destruction of illicit firearms.The destruction of more than 6,000 illegal firearms – recovered between 2022 and 2025 – signals our total focus in tackling insecurity and violence in our communities.
Kenya’s gun recovery effort aligns with the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns by 2030” initiative, championed by RECSA to tackle the rampant spread of illicit arms in the region.
The East African corridor remains one of the most heavily affected by illegal small arms, which often cross porous borders and fuel local conflicts.
Kenya was among the signatories to the 2004 Nairobi Protocol, a regional treaty aimed at curbing the spread of small arms and improving weapons management.
In his remarks, Ruto directed all government agencies handling official weapons to strengthen accountability and oversight to prevent diversion or misuse.
“The proper control of state-issued firearms is as critical as disarming civilians. Every agency must ensure proper management of arms under their custody,” he said.
