The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that residents of Kerio Valley continue to cooperate in large numbers with security agencies in surrendering illegal firearms under the ongoing Operation Rudisha Bunduki.

In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, NPS revealed that on October 6, 2025, a resident from Sibow Location voluntarily handed over an AK-47 rifle with six rounds of ammunition to the authorities, marking another successful milestone in the region’s disarmament efforts.

“This surrender brings the total to two hundred and eighty-two illegal firearms, along with two thousand and thirty-nine rounds of ammunition and one rifle grenade, that have so far been surrendered,” the statement read.

The surrender comes as the government intensifies security operations in parts of the North Rift, where communities have been urged to embrace peace and abandon the long culture of gun possession. The positive response from residents is being seen as a strong show of confidence in the government’s effort to restore order and promote lasting peace in the valley.

Police laud locals

NPS praised the people of Elgeyo Marakwet for their growing cooperation and willingness to take part in the peace-building process, saying such community-led initiatives are critical in reducing insecurity and saving lives.

“The National Police Service acknowledges the support and collaboration given by the communities in the area. We encourage others who still keep illegal firearms to surrender them to the security authorities,” the statement added.

The success of Operation Rudisha Bunduki continues to demonstrate the impact of local engagement in tackling insecurity. For years, residents in the Kerio Valley region have endured waves of bandit attacks and cattle rustling, driven by easy access to illegal firearms. But with more than 280 guns and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition now in the hands of security agencies, optimism is growing that peace may finally return to the region.

NPS has assured the public that all surrendered weapons will be securely handled, emphasising that the operation is not about punishment but about restoring peace, trust, and community safety across the valley.