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Over 280 illegal firearms have been surrendered in the Kerio Valley region as residents cooperate with security agencies in an ongoing disarmament operation, significantly boosting peace efforts.
Residents of Kerio Valley have voluntarily surrendered 282 illegal firearms, 2,039 rounds of ammunition, and one rifle grenade to security agencies under the ongoing 'Operation Rudisha Bunduki'. The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the figures on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, highlighting continued cooperation from the community in the disarmament efforts.
The latest surrender occurred on Monday, October 6, 2025, when a resident from Sibow Location handed over an AK-47 rifle with six rounds of ammunition to authorities. This incident underscores the effectiveness of the operation in encouraging voluntary compliance among residents.
The Kerio Valley, spanning parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana counties, has historically been plagued by insecurity, including cattle rustling and banditry, often exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal firearms. The government launched 'Operation Rudisha Bunduki' (Return the Gun) to mop up these weapons and restore peace and stability in the volatile region. The operation has involved sustained efforts by multi-agency security teams to engage with local communities and encourage the surrender of illegal arms.
Kenyan law strictly prohibits the possession of firearms without a valid license. The Firearms Act (Cap 114) outlines severe penalties for illegal gun ownership, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. The government has consistently reiterated its commitment to enforcing these laws to curb crime and enhance national security. Disarmament operations like 'Rudisha Bunduki' are critical components of this broader policy framework, aiming to reduce the availability of illegal weapons that fuel conflict and criminal activities.
The success of the disarmament drive has been attributed to collaborative efforts between security agencies, local administration, and community leaders. Analysts suggest that the positive development could influence public debate and policy execution regarding security interventions in conflict-prone areas. Stakeholders are urging for greater clarity on the operation's timelines, associated costs, and safeguards to ensure the sustained success of peace initiatives.
While the voluntary surrender of firearms is a positive step, challenges remain. Ensuring that all illegal weapons are collected and preventing their reintroduction into the region are critical for long-term peace. The sustainability of such operations often depends on addressing the root causes of conflict, such as resource scarcity, historical grievances, and socio-economic disparities. Failure to address these underlying issues could lead to a resurgence of insecurity.
The specific incentives, if any, offered to residents for surrendering firearms have not been explicitly detailed by the NPS. Additionally, the long-term strategies for monitoring and preventing the re-arming of communities in the Kerio Valley remain largely uncommunicated.
Future developments will likely focus on the government's next steps in consolidating peace in the Kerio Valley, including potential amnesty programs, community development initiatives, and sustained security presence. The effectiveness of these measures in preventing future conflicts and ensuring the permanent removal of illegal arms will be crucial.
Previous government efforts to disarm communities in various parts of Kenya, including similar operations in the North Rift region, have yielded mixed results, highlighting the complexities of such interventions.
