On September 28, 2026, Kenya's Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a one-month amnesty for individuals holding illegal firearms and ammunition. This initiative aims to curb the circulation of illicit arms linked to conflict and insecurity. The amnesty, which starts immediately, allows people to surrender their unregistered or illegal small arms and light weapons without facing legal penalties or criminal charges.
The amnesty period is part of Africa Amnesty Month, observed every September under the African Union's Silencing the Guns initiative. This initiative seeks to address the spread of illicit weapons contributing to conflict and insecurity. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, who delivered Murkomen's address, urged those with illegal firearms to use this opportunity to hand them over to security agencies. He reassured firearm holders that they would not be exposed to danger during the surrender process.
According to Murkomen, voluntary disarmament is crucial in creating lasting peace and improving security, particularly in areas where firearms have been used in community conflicts. He emphasized that conflicts should be settled by the force of law, not the might of a firearm. The government warned that those who continue to keep illegal firearms after the window closes will face forceful disarmament and prosecution.
The amnesty covers illicit small arms and light weapons, ammunition, and associated items. Individuals who voluntarily surrender these items during the amnesty period will not face legal consequences for possessing them. Security agencies and National Police Reservists have been deployed across the country to support security operations and ensure wider coverage.
The announcement comes amid intensified security operations in Samburu and Isiolo counties following recent banditry attacks. Murkomen stated that the operations focus on dealing with people possessing illegal firearms and those involved in attacks targeting police officers, civilians, and livestock. The government has made progress in recovering illicit weapons, with over 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition recovered in the Kerio Valley.
Murkomen's initiative aims to engage communities in the fight against insecurity. He emphasized that the property of one community should not change hands through gunfire but through willing exchange in the marketplace. The one-month amnesty gives individuals still holding illegal weapons an opportunity to surrender them voluntarily before authorities begin enforcing the law against those who retain the firearms beyond the deadline.
The government has urged individuals with illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty period. Those who surrender their firearms will be protected from prosecution and can contribute to creating a safer environment. The Interior Ministry, in collaboration with security agencies, will ensure the successful implementation of the amnesty period and the recovery of illicit weapons.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has launched a one-month amnesty for individuals to surrender illegal firearms and ammunition voluntarily.
- The amnesty is part of Africa Amnesty Month, observed under the African Union's Silencing the Guns initiative.
- Over 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered in the Kerio Valley as part of ongoing security operations.
