Police have confirmed that residents of Baringo County have voluntarily surrendered a total of 567 illegal firearms and 1,861 rounds of ammunition under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government-led security and peace programme targeting armed violence in the North Rift.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Kenya Police Service said residents handed in four more AK-47 rifles and 25 rounds of ammunition, pushing the one-year total to 567 rifles. Police noted that the amnesty period remains open and urged members of the public to continue surrendering illegal weapons.

“Firearms Surrender in Baringo Reaches 567. Residents have voluntarily surrendered 4 more AK-47s and 25 rounds under #OperationMalizaUhalifu, pushing the 1-year total to 567 rifles and 1,861 rounds. The amnesty period is still open,” the post reads.

The latest recovery marks another step in ongoing disarmament efforts in a region that has long struggled with banditry, cattle rustling and inter-communal violence. Authorities say voluntary disarmament remains central to restoring calm and protecting lives.

Previous police reports show steady progress over recent months. On November 16, 2025, the National Police Service confirmed the recovery of four illegally held rifles in Orus Location, Tiaty East Sub-County. Residents surrendered the weapons alongside four magazines and eight rounds of ammunition. Police secured the firearms and placed them under safekeeping pending further action.

At the time, NPS said the recovery came amid a broader peace and disarmament mission in the region. Police praised local leaders and community members for supporting the initiative, stressing that cooperation between residents and security agencies had improved trust.

Earlier, on November 9, 2025, police in Mukutani Sub-County received one illegal firearm that a member of the public surrendered voluntarily. According to an NPS statement, the weapon and its ammunition were secured immediately. That recovery raised the total number of surrendered firearms in the county to 271, with 879 rounds of ammunition at that stage.

Community-led disarmament efforts

Police have repeatedly credited local leaders, peace committees and residents for encouraging voluntary disarmament. Officials say these groups have played a key role in persuading armed individuals to hand in weapons without fear of arrest during the amnesty period.

Baringo County forms part of a wider North Rift peace stabilisation programme that covers several insecurity-prone areas. The strategy focuses on dialogue, community policing and voluntary surrender of illegal firearms rather than force alone. Authorities believe this approach reduces resistance and lowers the risk of violent confrontations.

Police have also urged the public to share credible information that could help recover remaining illegal weapons. They say intelligence from residents has helped security teams trace arms and prevent attacks before they happen.

While security challenges persist, police argue that the rising number of surrendered firearms shows growing public confidence in the process. They maintain that removing illegal guns from circulation will reduce crime and allow communities to rebuild trust and stability.