Govt declares parts of Marsabit disturbed and dangerous, bans firearms
By Emmanuel Rono, July 4, 2026The government has extended the declaration of several areas in Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous for another 30 days.
In a Gazette Notice issued under Section 106(6) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, on July 3, 2026, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the declaration was made in consultation with the National Security Council.
“National Police Service Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in consultation with the National Security Council, declares parts of Marsabit County as security disturbed and dangerous,” the notice read.
Affected areas
The affected areas are Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa, all located in Marsabit County.
According to the notice, the declaration took effect on June 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. and will remain in force for 30 days.
The gazette notice further states that the declaration may be withdrawn at any time or extended for a further period through another Gazette Notice if the Cabinet Secretary deems it necessary.
“This notice shall take effect on the 23rd June, 2026, as from 6.30 p.m., for a period of thirty (30) days and may, at any time be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Gazette direct,” the notice stated.
Prohibits firearms
At the same time, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja prohibited firearms in the area for 30 days. In the order, IG Kanja directed those in possession of illegal guns to surrender them.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Inspector-General of
National Police Service prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County declared as security disturbed and dangerous by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration: Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania,
Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee, Hillo Godde Haroressa,” the notice read in part.
“On the taking effect of this notice, all inhabitants of the said areas are ordered, with immediate effect, to surrender all arms in their
possession to the nearest Police Station, Police Post, Police Camp and National Government Administration offices during the hours of the day for safe custody. All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice.”
Insecurity in the region
The order comes days after the security officers in Marsabit County recovered 251 sheep and goats following a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in Loiyangalani Sub-county.
The recovery follows an intensive security pursuit that led officers to Lokilipi and Sarima areas, where they confronted armed suspects believed to have been behind the theft.
The pursuit escalated into a confrontation when the security team encountered the armed suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the two sides.
Faced with the superior response from the security team, the bandits were forced to abandon the stolen livestock and flee the scene.
“A multi-agency security team has successfully recovered 251 sheep and goats that had been stolen by suspected bandits in Loiyangalani Sub-County,” the NPS stated.
“As the pursuit intensified, the officers tracked the stolen animals to the Lokilipi and Sarima areas, where they encountered armed bandits, leading to a confrontation marked by an exchange of gunfire. This forced the suspects to abandon the livestock and flee.”