North Rift Surrenders Over 100 Illegal Firearms in Voluntary Disarmament Drive

Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County – September 20, 2025 (EAT).

More than 100 illegal firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition have been surrendered under Kenya’s voluntary disarmament programme in the North Rift, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed on Saturday.

The Latest

Officials reported that 19 firearms, 109 rounds of assorted ammunition, and a rifle grenade were handed over in Tot and Chesongoch alone, bringing recent totals across the region to over 100 surrendered weapons. The programme offers amnesty and development incentives to residents who voluntarily disarm.

Authorities hailed the growing cooperation, noting that several suspected bandits have also been arrested in joint operations.

Status: Ongoing – next community disarmament events expected later this month

Context in Brief

• The North Rift region has faced decades of cattle rustling and banditry.

• Past disarmament efforts were hampered by mistrust between security agencies and local communities.

• The current programme combines security enforcement with social incentives to win grassroots support.

Law, Policy & Process

• Relevant Law: National Police Service Act; Penal Code on unlawful possession of firearms

• Mandate: Ministry of Interior, NPS, and county security committees oversee the process.

• Next Steps: Verification of surrendered weapons, investigations into criminal use, and destruction of recovered arms under judicial supervision.

Voices & Stakeholders

• Government: “We are seeing a genuine commitment to peace from communities,” said Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, praising residents for cooperating with security agencies.

• Local Leaders: Elders in Tot urged the state to complement disarmament with jobs, schools, and infrastructure projects to prevent relapse into banditry.

• Rights Groups: Amnesty International called for community policing structures to sustain peace gains.

Evidence & Data Box

• Weapons Surrendered: 100+ firearms, 109 rounds of ammunition, 1 rifle grenade

• Arrests: Multiple suspected bandits detained this month

• Verification: Police armourers confirm serial numbers and ballistic tests to link weapons to past crimes

Risks & Implications

• Security: Disarmament reduces armed raids but risks retaliation by criminal groups.

• Governance: Failure to provide alternative livelihoods may undermine progress.

• Economy: Peace critical for reviving livestock markets and cross-border trade.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Total number of illegal arms still in civilian hands

• Timeline for full disarmament across the North Rift

• Details on prosecutions of arrested bandits

Timeline

• Sept 10, 2025: Interior Ministry launches voluntary disarmament in North Rift

• Sept 15, 2025: First batch of 50+ weapons surrendered

• Sept 20, 2025: Tot & Chesongoch hand in 19 firearms, ammunition, and grenade

What to Watch

• Further surrender deadlines by county governments

• Impact on cattle rustling incidents over the next quarter

• National Assembly debates on disarmament funding in October

Related Coverage

• Explainer: Kenya’s History of Disarmament in the North Rift

• Feature: How Banditry Stalled Development in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet