Officers from the National Police Service (NPS) in Kainuk, Turkana County, recorded significant progress in the ongoing disarmament exercise, with 27 illegal firearms voluntarily surrendered on March 19, 2026.

This brings the total number of weapons recovered under Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the area to 247.

The police said the continued surrenders reflect sustained collaboration with other agencies and the support of community members to remove illegal weapons and improve security.

“This success underscores the continuity of the operation, which remains firmly focused on maintaining a consistent presence in the area to prevent the resurgence of armed criminal activities and reassure residents of their safety,” the NPS stated in a post on X on March 20, 2026.

Multi-agency initiative

This comes days after the National Police Service received two more firearms in Turkana County, bringing the total number of weapons surrendered under Operation Maliza Uhalifu to 247. The operation continues to focus on voluntary disarmament, with police, administration officials, and community leaders working together to reduce armed crimes, banditry, and cross-border raids that have long affected the region.

Officials said the latest surrenders reflect growing trust between residents and security agencies, highlighting the impact of community engagement in restoring safety.

The NPS urged anyone still holding illegal firearms to hand them over to the nearest police station and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities through toll-free lines or the #FichuaKwaDCI platform.

Operation Maliza Uhalifu brings together police officers, administration officials, and community leaders to combat banditry, cattle rustling, and inter-communal violence that have long affected Turkana and neighbouring North Rift counties.

Illegal firearms have been central to insecurity, enabling criminal gangs and cross-border raids. The exercise prioritises voluntary disarmament through community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and intensified patrols to reduce reliance on force.

Progress in neighbouring counties

The latest breakthrough in Turkana follows similar gains in West Pokot County, where two more firearms were handed over, raising the county’s total to 90 rifles and 189 rounds of ammunition.

On March 9, 2026, residents of Pokot Central Sub-County surrendered 12 AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines, and 24 rounds at Marich Police Station with support from administration officers and local leaders. Subsequent reports confirmed the West Pokot total had risen to 97 illegal guns.

The NPS highlighted that residents’ willingness to surrender firearms signals growing confidence in the security operation and stabilisation efforts. The service commended community members and leaders, while urging anyone still holding unlicensed weapons to turn them in to the nearest police station.

Authorities said these successive voluntary surrenders mark a turning point, with sustained community participation steadily contributing to lasting peace and security across Kenya’s northern frontier.