Africa-Press – Kenya. At least 26 illegal firearms have been surrendered in Turkana county in the latest phase of a sustained disarmament exercise led by the National Police Service (NPS).
The weapons were handed over during an operation in Katilu, where security officers oversaw the voluntary surrender as part of ongoing efforts to enhance stability in the region. According to NPS, the recovered cache included 21 AK-47 rifles, two M16 rifles, two MK4 firearms and one G3 rifle.
The agency said the development reflects growing cooperation between communities and security agencies, driven by intensified sensitisation campaigns and targeted operations aimed at removing illegal weapons from circulation.
“The continued peaceful disarmament exercise in Turkana County remains a critical pillar in enhancing security and stability in the region,” NPS said in a statement.
Police noted that the progress is a result of sustained engagement with local communities, with residents increasingly responding to calls to relinquish firearms voluntarily. The service added that its approach combines enforcement with dialogue, seeking to build trust while addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“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 statement read.
The latest surrender adds to a growing number of weapons being recovered in the North Rift, a region that has for years grappled with banditry, cattle rustling and intercommunal clashes fuelled by the proliferation of small arms.
Authorities say the disarmament programme is central to restoring order and supporting long-term peacebuilding efforts. The development follows a similar operation in March in which dozens of firearms were surrendered across Turkana and West Pokot counties, signalling renewed momentum in the campaign.
During that exercise, 42 guns were handed over, bringing the total number of illicit weapons recovered in the region to 348. “This outcome demonstrates the growing trust between communities and law enforcement, and the shared commitment to building a safer future,” NPS said in an earlier statement.
Officials said the earlier recoveries were made possible through coordinated security operations, intelligence-led patrols and close collaboration with local leaders and elders.
Turkana and West Pokot have long experienced cycles of violence driven by competition over resources, with illegal firearms often escalating the conflicts.
Security agencies have in recent months intensified a mix of voluntary disarmament, enforcement and community dialogue forums to address the challenge.
While authorities say the gains are encouraging, they emphasise the need for sustained efforts to prevent a relapse into violence and to secure lasting peace in the region.
