The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to recovering all illegal firearms in Samburu and Isiolo counties as part of its efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region. Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the government would not relent in its efforts to flush out illegal guns and ammunition, noting that their proliferation had continued to undermine peace and development in the region.
Murkomen spoke during a fundraiser in aid of the Nandi Hills Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) branch, where leaders and teachers raised funds towards the construction of an office block and purchase of a bus for the union. He said security agencies had been directed to intensify operations aimed at identifying and recovering illegal firearms, adding that the government would pursue individuals and networks involved in the illegal acquisition, movement, and use of guns.
The CS maintained that the government’s priority was to restore peace and enable residents of Samburu and Isiolo to undertake their economic activities without fear of armed attacks. He said security agencies would continue working with local communities to obtain information on the whereabouts of illegal firearms and individuals involved in banditry. He urged residents to cooperate with the authorities by providing information that could assist in recovering weapons and apprehending criminals.
Murkomen also warned people involved in buying stolen livestock that they risked facing the law, noting that the market for stolen animals continued to provide incentives for banditry and cattle rustling. The government will pursue the entire chain supporting criminal activities, including those facilitating the movement and sale of stolen livestock. He called for caution during security operations to ensure that innocent civilians and their property were protected.
The CS said security agencies must exercise professionalism while dealing with threats posed by armed criminals, noting that the government was committed to strengthening security infrastructure and deploying adequate personnel to areas affected by banditry to enhance surveillance and response to emerging threats. Restoring peace in Samburu and Isiolo is important not only for the safety of residents but also for the economic development of the region.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) National Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the union would continue investing in infrastructure aimed at improving services to teachers at the grassroots. Oyuu said the construction of the Nandi Hills KNUT office block would provide a permanent and conducive working environment for union officials, while enabling teachers to access services more conveniently.
The recovery of illegal firearms is expected to contribute to improved security and create a safer environment for residents to pursue their livelihoods. Murkomen reiterated that the government would continue with efforts to recover illegal firearms and disrupt criminal networks operating in Samburu and Isiolo, and that security interventions would be sustained until normalcy was restored.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has vowed to intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms in Samburu and Isiolo counties.
- The government will pursue individuals and networks involved in the illegal acquisition, movement, and use of guns.
- The recovery of illegal firearms is expected to contribute to improved security and create a safer environment for residents.
