By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
11 January 2026 – In a move aimed at restoring peace, local elders in Madogo Bangale sub-county, Tana River County, have handed over to the government illegally held firearms surrendered by civilians to comply with the 60-day amnesty.
Five illegally held firearms, including three AK47 rifles, two G3 rifles and 13 rounds of ammunition, were handed over to multi-agency security teams headed by the Tana River County Commissioner.
In December 2025, Coast Regional Police Commander Nuno Dubat declared a 60-day amnesty for warring clans to hand over illegally held weapons or face large-scale disarmament operations.
The tough-talking regional police boss at the time warned of unspecified consequences for anyone found with illegal weapons after the expiration of the amnesty period, warning politicians against inciting communities against each other.
At least 20 people have been killed in ethnic clashes between two clans in the expansive Tana River County.
The government has arraigned several political leaders suspected of fuelling the skirmishes, and they are facing various charges.
“I am happy for the communities’ voluntary handing over of these weapons because today is the 18th day since we gave the 60-day ultimatum for their bravery to hand these weapons,” said the county commissioner, Mr Joseph Mwangi.
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Mr Mwangi, who is the county chair for the security and intelligence committee, praised the elders and urged other rival groups to do the same for peace to prevail before the amnesty window closes.
The county commissioner said the government would still conduct large-scale operations after the lapse of the amnesty period if enough weapons are not brought forward.
He asked elders to look for more illegally held firearms and hand them over, adding that the government, through its machinery, is aware that there are still more within the communities.
Mr Hussein Mohamed, a Degodia elder who was amongst the elders who handed over weapons to the officials, said they would like peace in the county and asked others to embrace peaceful co-existence.
“We are asking others to please also give in any illegally held firearms. We would like to embrace each other and live together as brothers and sisters. We need each other for our prosperity,” he said, flanked by other elders.
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