Coast police boss issues ultimatum for surrender of illegal firearms
By Sharon Atieno, July 5, 2026Police in the Coast region have issued a three-day ultimatum to individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to security agencies or face the full force of the law, as authorities intensify efforts to stem rising insecurity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Tana River County, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno warned that security agencies would not spare anyone found with illegal weapons or those using firearms to fuel ethnic tensions and violence.
“We need you to surrender any firearm in your possession. My word is surrender, submit. We have done the mobilisation and therefore you need to surrender the firearm,” Nuno said.
He stressed that the directive applies to everyone regardless of their social or political status.
“Anybody found with an illegal firearm, planning to attack one community or another or inciting one community against another, will face the full force of the law. It does not matter who you are,” he warned.
Warning after deadly Tana River clashes
The ultimatum follows renewed security concerns in Tana River after at least six people were killed in recent violence, prompting police to heighten surveillance across the region.
Nuno also warned politicians against recruiting or financing militia groups ahead of the 2027 elections, saying security agencies were closely monitoring individuals attempting to mobilise armed gangs.
He said ongoing operations had already yielded results, with police recovering two firearms during the latest security crackdown.
The regional commander maintained that authorities would continue intelligence-led operations to flush out illegal weapons and those behind criminal activities.
Government intensifies disarmament campaign
The latest directive comes days after the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed another breakthrough in its voluntary disarmament campaign after an illegal AK-47 rifle was surrendered by a resident in Tana River County.
According to NPS, officers at Waldena Police Station in Galedyertu Sub-County received the rifle, a magazine and three rounds of ammunition after a member of the public voluntarily handed over the weapon.
The service described the surrender as evidence of growing cooperation between communities and security agencies in efforts to restore peace in areas affected by illegal firearms.
“This voluntary surrender is testament to the cooperation between security agencies and the community in ongoing efforts to enhance peace and stability in the region. We encourage others who are still keeping illegal firearms to surrender them to the security authorities,” NPS said.
Three-day deadline
Nuno urged anyone still holding illegal firearms to take advantage of the three-day window before security agencies launch tougher enforcement operations.
He warned that once the grace period lapses, anyone found with illegal weapons or linked to armed groups would face arrest and prosecution.
The warning forms part of the government’s broader campaign to eliminate illegal firearms and prevent politically motivated violence as the country gradually prepares for the 2027 General Election.