Residents voluntarily surrender 9 illegal guns in Kerio Valley
By Aloys Michael, September 28, 2025Police in Tot have received nine illegal firearms and 120 rounds of ammunition voluntarily surrendered by residents on Saturday, September 27, 2025, marking another milestone in ongoing government’s disarmament efforts across the Kerio Valley.
In an X update on Sunday, September 28, 2025, police said the surrendered cache of eight AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle was handed over to the Sub-County Security team through the support of Peace Committees in Arror, Chesuman, and Mokoro location. All weapons have since been secured for safe custody.
“The recovered rifles and ammunition have since been secured for safe custody. This latest surrender adds to the ongoing disarmament exercise tally, bringing the total so far to 249 illegal firearms, 1,758 rounds of ammunition, and one firearm grenade (FRG), the statement read in part.
The residents had earlier surrendered 22 illegal firearms.
The Kerio Valley has long struggled with armed conflict and cattle rustling, but officials say growing community cooperation is turning the tide.
“The continued support from elders and Peace Committees is crucial. We encourage more residents to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms and provide information that will enhance security,” the statement read.
This comes days after residents in the same region voluntarily surrendered 27 illegal firearms, including AK-47 and G3 rifles, to police in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
In a statement on Thursday, September 25, the police revealed that the firearms were handed over through the cooperation of community members and Peace Committees drawn from Ketut, Chemwonyo, Kibaimwa, Mon, Chesuman, Kaben, and Endo.
“The weapons have been taken into safe custody. This latest surrender brings the total number of firearms recovered under ‘Operation Rudisha Bunduki’ to 232, along with 1,595 rounds of ammunition,” read the statement in part.
This comes after two persons of interest linked to the Kerio Valley bandits surrendered to authorities, following a seven-day ultimatum for illegal firearm holders to surrender their weapons or face the full force of the law.
Further, the police hailed the initiative, commending local leaders, elders, and residents for demonstrating goodwill and prioritising security over conflict.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the amnesty by volunteering information and surrendering illegal arms.”
This came after two persons of interest linked to the Kerio Valley bandits surrendered to authorities, following a seven-day ultimatum for illegal firearm holders to surrender their weapons or face the full force of the law.