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Turkana-West Pokot insecurity: Illegal firearms crackdown looms after high-level meeting
29th August, 2025 09:58 AM
The National Police Service has issued a one-week ultimatum to West Pokot and Turkana residents to surrender illegal firearms in a fight against banditry and insecurity along the inter-county border.
The police issued the stern warning following a high-level joint meeting by County Security Committees from Turkana and West Pokot Counties in Kainuk on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
“County Security Committees from Turkana and West Pokot Counties convened a high-level joint meeting in Kainuk on Thursday to deliberate on the persistent insecurity along the inter-county border,” NPS said.
According to a statement released by the National Police Service on Friday, August 29, 2025, the discussion centred on cross-border banditry, as well as the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Likewise, NPS noted emerging threats that are undermining peace within the two border counties despite the ongoing Maliza Uhalifu initiative.
“The discussions centred on cross-border banditry, the proliferation of illegal firearms, and emerging threats that are undermining peace despite the ongoing Maliza Uhalifu initiative,” NPS said.
Police sound warning
At the time of the discussion, the National Police Service issued a one-week ultimatum for communities to surrender illegal firearms voluntarily while sounding an alarm on those who fail to comply.
“A one-week ultimatum was issued for communities to surrender illegal firearms voluntarily; failure to do so will result in a forceful disarmament exercise. In addition, a fresh vetting of all NPRs will be undertaken to enhance integrity, accountability, and professionalism within the service,” NPS said.
“The meeting underscored the need for coordinated action, strengthened community–police relations, and strict adherence to the rule of law. It was agreed that seamless cooperation between the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and security agencies is key to effective command and control, while timely reporting of incidents remains critical for rapid response,” NPS said.
The National Police Service has affirmed its commitment to collaborative action in restoring peace and stability along the Turkana–West Pokot border and urges members of the public to support security operations while also calling on members of the public to support security operations by sharing information through official hotline numbers.
“The National Police Service remains committed to collaborative action in restoring peace and stability along the Turkana–West Pokot border and urges members of the public to support security operations by sharing information through the toll-free,” NPS said.
