Ruto vows to dismantle criminal elements and restore nationwide peace by December 2026
By Nancy Marende, January 4, 2026President William Ruto has vowed to restore lasting peace in Samburu, West Pokot and Turkana counties by the end of 2026, saying security remains the foundation upon which Kenya’s development agenda will succeed.
Speaking during an interdenominational service in Chesombur on January 4, 2026, the president acknowledged that despite progress made in the West Pokot region, parts of the country continue to experience insecurity.
“Mimi najua bado tuko na sehemu kama vile viongozi wameongea hapa ukielekea West Pokot, sehemu hiyo nyingine, Turkana, sehemu ya Samburu. I am giving you my undertaking ya kwamba by the end of this year tutakuwa tumeweka amani, kwa mapenzi ya Mungu, wananchi watakuwa wanaishi sawa.”
Further, he stated that other areas, including Meru and Angata Baragoi, also remain affected by security challenges but assured Kenyans that his administration is committed to stabilising the entire country.
Meru and Angata Baragoi
“Tuko na sehemu zingine kama Meru, Angata Baragoi na sehemu zingine za Kenya ambazo bado tuko na changamoto. We are going to make sure that we stabilise this country,” he said.
The Head of State stressed that peace is a prerequisite for national transformation, noting that his government’s development agenda is anchored on three key pillars.
“Vile mimi nimesema, hii Kenya tutaibadilisha kwa mambo matatu ya muhimu: infrastructure, kuzalisha umeme wa kutosha, na transformation ya kilimo,” Ruto said.
However, he cautioned that these goals cannot be achieved unless three other critical conditions are met, with peace being the most important.
“Haya mambo hayawezi kufaulu kama mambo matatu mengine hayajatimia. Jambo la kwanza ni amani katika taifa la Kenya, wananchi wa Kenya wapate elimu na masomo ya kutosha, na ya tatu kuhakikisha ya kwamba tunaweka interest ya Kenya mbele ya interest ya watu binafsi, ama jamii au ukoo.”
Illegal firearms
He also 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.
He 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.”