Illegal firearms surrendered in Tana River amid ongoing disarmament drive
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 13, 2026Residents of Tana North Sub-County in Tana River County have handed over four illegal firearms to security officers, marking another step forward in the government’s ongoing disarmament campaign in the region.
The handover took place on Monday, January 12, 2026, when members of the public voluntarily surrendered the weapons to a multi-agency security team operating in the area. The exercise forms part of a wider initiative that encourages civilians to give up illegally held firearms without facing immediate prosecution.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the development a day later through its official X account. Officers took the firearms into safe custody for documentation and further processing.
“The voluntary surrender of illegally held firearms in Tana River County continues to make positive progress,” the NPS said in a statement. The police commended residents for their cooperation and commitment to peace, adding that they will continue working closely with communities, local administrators and other stakeholders to strengthen security.
The latest handover comes just days after a similar exercise in Bangale Sub-County. On January 9, 2026, residents surrendered five illegal firearms, including three AK-47 rifles and two G3 rifles, as well as 13 rounds of ammunition. Authorities received the weapons in Madogo, with local elders from the Degodia community playing a key role in organising the exercise.
That surrender took place under a 60-day amnesty period announced by the government. The amnesty followed a peace agreement reached in late December 2025 between the Orma and Degodia pastoral communities, who have clashed repeatedly over pasture and water.
Amnesty and official warning
The violence had claimed lives and disrupted daily activities in Bangale and Tana North sub-counties. In response, Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha announced the amnesty after a high-level security meeting in Madogo. She warned that the government would move to forceful disarmament if residents failed to cooperate within the set period.
Tana River County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi has welcomed the recent progress, saying the peace deal has already helped restore calm in the affected areas. He urged both communities to continue surrendering weapons before the amnesty window closes.
Mwangi praised Degodia elders for supporting the earlier handover in Bangale and called on leaders from the Orma community to show similar commitment. He stressed that the government prefers voluntary disarmament but will act firmly if illegal weapons remain in circulation after the amnesty expires.
Security officials say the voluntary handovers reflect growing trust between local communities and state agencies. The national disarmament programme targets several counties affected by banditry and communal conflict, with the aim of reducing illegal arms and creating a safer environment for development.