Ruto declares firearms amnesty in Baringo County
President William Ruto has urged Baringo residents who own guns to surrender them to the government voluntarily, promising that their actions will be forgiven.
Speaking during a Baringo tour on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the President reiterated his administration’s resolve to end the long-standing insecurity issues caused by illegal firearms in the region.
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“For a long time, Baringo has been troubled by insecurity. Time has come to deal with the issue decisively,” President Ruto stated during a roadside rally in Kabarnet Town.
“The President’s directive comes as part of his administration’s ongoing crackdown on criminal activities and banditry fueled by the widespread availability of illegal firearms.”
This comes days after the police recovered an illegal AK-47 rifle following a multi-agency security operation in Kakapul.
Ruto warned that security agencies have already identified individuals in possession of illegal guns and will take swift action against those who do not comply with the amnesty.
“The government knows everyone who still has a gun. I have given them notice, return the guns early. And if they don’t, nobody should question me. We cannot allow this to be a county of orphans and widows,” Ruto declared.
Since an earlier amnesty, 600 illegal firearms have been voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.
However, the President noted that many more still remain in circulation, stressing that those holding them must heed the call before it is too late.
“Bandits, I will deal with them. I want to promise you, these armed cattle thieves, I will sort them out completely,” he affirmed.
It is worth noting that Kerio Valley residents voluntarily surrendered 27 illegal firearms, including AK-47 and G3 rifles, to police in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County, following government directives.
Steps Taken to Restore Order
In addition to the firearms amnesty, President Ruto assured the residents of Baringo that the government has deployed additional police officers to restore law and order in the area.
The President also directed the Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, to ensure that all firearms are securely under government control.
“No civilian should be walking around with an unlicensed weapon,” he stated.
Baringo County has long been a hotspot for banditry, cattle rustling, and violence driven by illegal firearms.
In areas like Tiaty, Baringo North, and Baringo South, the violence has claimed numerous lives, displaced families, and severely disrupted daily life.
Local leaders have frequently called on the national government to intensify disarmament efforts, as the region’s security challenges continue to undermine development.
While the President’s firm stance on disarmament is seen as a strong move to address the issue of banditry, security analysts argue that lasting peace will require more than just the collection of firearms.
Long-term investment in education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment will be crucial to addressing the root causes of conflict and instability in Baringo.
As the amnesty window nears its close, residents are closely watching to see if this renewed push for peace will finally bring an end to the violence that has plagued their communities for years.
