Police confirm illegal AK-47 rifle surrendered in Tana River
By Sharon Atieno, June 30, 2026The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed another breakthrough in the fight against illegal firearms after an AK-47 rifle was voluntarily surrendered by a member of the public in Tana River County, signalling growing cooperation between security agencies and local communities in ongoing disarmament efforts.
In a statement shared on its X account on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, NPS said officers stationed at Waldena Police Station in Galedyertu Sub-County received the weapon on Monday, June 29, after a resident from the Kalalani area voluntarily handed over the firearm.
Police confirmed the recovered cache included one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of ammunition, all of which were secured as investigations and administrative procedures began.
Community cooperation boosts security efforts
The Service described the latest surrender as a clear sign that public cooperation is beginning to play a critical role in restoring peace and stability in parts of the country previously affected by illegal arms circulation.
“This voluntary surrender is testament to the co-operation 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 stated.
Authorities further appealed to members of the public to continue sharing intelligence on illegal firearms and criminal activities through emergency numbers 999 and 911, or anonymously through #FichuaKwaDCI channels.
Similar disarmament success recorded earlier
The latest development comes months after another successful voluntary surrender operation in Tana River.
In January 2026, residents of Bangale Sub-County voluntarily surrendered five illegal firearms, including three AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles and 13 rounds of ammunition in what authorities termed a major success for the national disarmament programme.
At the time, NPS said the exercise demonstrated growing public trust in government-led efforts aimed at reducing insecurity through community-driven approaches rather than forceful crackdowns.
Government intensifies crackdown on illegal firearms
The surrender also comes amid heightened national operations targeting illegal weapons across the country.
Earlier this month, Kipchumba Murkomen issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents in Kuria East, Kuria West and Transmara South to surrender illegal firearms following rising insecurity along the Narok-Migori border.
“We have given seven days to people with illegal firearms to surrender them to authorities. We will also target those selling bullets to criminals,” Murkomen warned.
Security agencies say voluntary disarmament remains key to improving public safety as the government intensifies efforts to curb armed crime and restore lasting peace in affected regions.