Twenty-six illegal firearms have been voluntarily surrendered to security agencies in Turkana County, marking fresh progress in an ongoing government-led disarmament exercise aimed at curbing banditry and restoring stability in northern Kenya.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the latest recovery followed a targeted operation in Katilu, where residents handed over a cache of weapons in the presence of officers overseeing the exercise.
According to the police, the firearms surrendered include 21 AK-47 rifles, two M16 rifles, two MK4 firearms and one G3 rifle—an assortment commonly linked to cross-border banditry and cattle rustling in the region.
“The continued peaceful disarmament exercise in Turkana County remains a critical pillar in enhancing security and stability in the region,” the NPS said in a statement.
Authorities said the latest development signals increasing cooperation from local communities, attributing the surrender to intensified public sensitisation campaigns designed to encourage voluntary compliance.
“This achievement reflects growing community cooperation and the effectiveness of ongoing sensitisation efforts encouraging individuals to relinquish illegal weapons,” the statement added.
The disarmament initiative blends targeted security operations with structured community engagement, as the government shifts strategy from purely force-based interventions to a more collaborative approach.
Police emphasized that long-term security gains will depend on sustained trust between residents and law enforcement agencies.
“Ultimately, the success of these initiatives demonstrates that lasting security is best achieved not only through enforcement, but through trust, cooperation and shared responsibility,” the NPS said.
The exercise is part of broader efforts by the government to tackle persistent insecurity, including bandit attacks and illicit arms proliferation, which have for years disrupted livelihoods in Turkana and neighbouring counties.
