A total of 26 illegal firearms have been surrendered in Turkana County in the latest phase of a peaceful disarmament exercise aimed at improving security in the region.

According to the National Police Service (NPS) on Monday, April 6, 2026, the weapons were handed over during an operation conducted in Katilu, reflecting growing cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

The surrendered firearms include 21 AK-47 rifles, two M16 rifles, two MK4 firearms, and one G3 rifle.

According to the NPS, the disarmament exercise in Turkana remains a key strategy in enhancing regional security and stability.

The service said it has maintained targeted operations, community engagement and structured disarmament programmes to remove illicit weapons from circulation.

During the Katilu operation, NPS officers successfully oversaw the surrender of the 26 firearms, highlighting growing community trust and the effectiveness of sensitisation campaigns encouraging voluntary handovers.

“The National Police Service (NPS) continues to sustain these efforts aimed at removing illegal weapons from circulation through targeted operations, community engagement, and structured disarmament initiatives,” NPS stated.

“During an operation conducted in Katilu, a team of NPS officers successfully oversaw the surrender of 26 illegal firearms. These included 21 AK-47 rifles, 2 M16 rifles, 2 MK4 firearms, and 1 G3 rifle. This achievement continues to reflect growing community cooperation and the effectiveness of ongoing sensitisation efforts encouraging individuals to relinquish illegal weapons.”

Transfer of illegal firearms

Police certified the transfer of 42 illegal firearms in Turkana and West Pokot Counties as a major step towards the improvement of security and creation of peace in the areas.

The incident, which was held on Monday, March 23, 2026, is one of the milestones in the process of disarmament that is being carried out in the two counties.

Confirming the recovery on their social media handles on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said that the reclaimed weapons take the total number of illegal weapons that have been delivered in the area to 348, and the results show an increasing interest of the community in reducing the flow of illegal weapons.

The governments stressed that the reduction of arms is a fundamental support in ensuring the populace is safe, establishes confidence among people, and minimises inter-community warfare that has been rampant in the area.

“Yesterday, 23rd March, 2026, marked a significant step in disarmament efforts, with 42 illegal firearms surrendered in Turkana and West Pokot, bringing the total number of illegal weapons recovered to 348,” the NPS stated.