Ruto urges West Pokot residents to surrender illegal firearms to bishops
By Nancy Marende, January 4, 2026President William Ruto has urged residents of West Pokot County to immediately surrender all illegal firearms to local bishops or the police, warning that the government will take firm action against anyone found in possession of unauthorised weapons.
Speaking during an interdenominational service in Chesombur on January 4, 2026, President Ruto stated that the era of civilians holding guns under the pretext of protecting livestock must come to an end, emphasising that firearms are the sole responsibility of the state and trained security personnel.
“Kila mtu mwenye ako na bunduki na wewe si polisi, harakisha, lete bunduki patia kwa bishop ama polisi. Usipofanya hivyo, we are going to come for you. Tukikuja kuchukua hiyo bunduki, utakipata. Bunduki ni kitu ya kulinda wananchi ikitumiwa na askari.”
The Head of State cautioned that security agencies will conduct operations to recover illegal firearms from civilians, adding that those who defy the directive will face the full force of the law.
Ruto dismissed the long-held practice where some residents carry guns while herding livestock, saying it only fuels insecurity and lawlessness in the region.
“Kuna watu wanajifanya ati wanachunga ng’ombe na bunduki. Hakuna ng’ombe itachungwa na bunduki. Tafuta fimbo, kata miti, uchunge ng’ombe yako. Bunduki ni mali ya serikali na askari. Tumeelewana?” He posed.
Cattle rustling menace
The president further linked the proliferation of illegal firearms to cattle rustling, which he described as a backward practice that brings suffering, poverty, and loss of life to communities.
Drawing a sharp comparison, Ruto said development and prosperity cannot coexist with criminal activities such as stock theft.
“Niliwaeleza kwamba Kenya ile ingine watu wanafanya biashara kwa stock exchange, na kuna tofauti kubwa sana kati ya stock exchange na stock theft ya ujinga, ya kuletea sisi maafa, umaskini na hasara,” he said.
He noted that the government has intensified security operations and community engagement in West Pokot and neighbouring regions to end banditry and cattle rustling, adding that the efforts are already bearing fruit.
“Mimi nafurahi sasa sehemu hii mambo ya stock theft imesha,” Ruto said.
The President thanked residents for cooperating with security agencies and local leaders, noting that sustained peace is critical for development, investment, and service delivery.
“We thank God today we have peace in these regions,” he said.