Kerio Valley Disarmament Gains Momentum as More Guns Surrendered

Kenya, 31 October 2025 - Efforts to rid Kenya’s Kerio Valley of illegal firearms are gathering pace, with more residents stepping forward to surrender weapons as part of the government’s ongoing disarmament initiative.

On Thursday, police officers stationed at Tot Police Station received two more guns, an AK-47 rifle and a G3 rifle, handed in by residents from Kaben and Arror Locations.

According to police reports, this latest handover raises the total number of recovered firearms in the region to 290, alongside 2,137 rounds of ammunition collected since the campaign began.

Security officials have praised the growing cooperation between residents and the National Police Service (NPS), crediting open dialogue, community engagement, and trust-building for the campaign’s success.

“The continued surrender of illegal firearms shows that communities are beginning to see the value of peace and security,” a senior police officer said.

“Every weapon handed in represents a step toward safer, more stable communities.”

The NPS commended locals for their cooperation, urging those still in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily.

The service reiterated that such actions not only protect lives but also pave the way for development in the long-troubled region.

Authorities have emphasised that the government remains committed to ending gun-related violence in pastoral areas through a mix of community dialogue, sensitization drives, and sustained security operations.

The campaign’s recent success builds on steady gains recorded earlier this year.

On 20 September 2025, the NPS announced the voluntary surrender of 19 firearms, 109 rounds of assorted ammunition, and a rifle grenade in Tot and Chesongoch areas.

Officials described the milestone as a major boost in efforts to disarm communities and strengthen peace in the Kerio Valley corridor.

Local leaders and elders have also been instrumental in mobilizing residents to cooperate with authorities, emphasising that long-term peace depends on ending the cycle of armed violence and cattle rustling that has historically plagued the region.

Security teams continue to combine persuasion with targeted operations to trace and recover weapons still in circulation. The approach, police say, has reduced violent confrontations and encouraged voluntary compliance.

“Peace is only possible when people trust the system and see tangible benefits from stability,” said a community peace coordinator from Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“The progress we are witnessing now is a reflection of that growing confidence.”

Authorities believe that sustained collaboration between local communities, security forces, and development partners will be key to consolidating peace and enabling economic growth in the Kerio Valley belt.

With the disarmament exercise continuing to gain traction, residents and officials alike are optimistic that the region, once synonymous with bandit attacks and inter-community clashes, could soon turn a new page toward lasting peace and prosperity.