At least 357 illegal firearms have been recovered from Elgeyo Marakwet County as the government intensifies its campaign against illegally held weapons.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, said security agencies had also recovered 2,342 rounds of ammunition in the county.

The latest figures followed the voluntary surrender of another illegal firearm on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

AK-47 rifles surrendered

In Tana River County, residents also voluntarily surrendered two illegally acquired AK-47 rifles and 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“Following the surrender of another illegal firearm yesterday, Elgeyo Marakwet County has now recorded the recovery of 357 illicit firearms and 2,342 rounds of ammunition,” the NPS stated.

“In Tana River County, two illegally acquired AK-47 rifles and ten rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were also voluntarily surrendered.”

Police said the ongoing disarmament campaign is intended to remove weapons linked to armed robberies, livestock theft, retaliatory attacks and other forms of violence from communities.

Murkomen’s campaign

The latest recoveries come as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen continues to push for the surrender of illegal firearms in banditry-hit and conflict-prone areas.

On June 29, 2026, Murkomen said more than 2,000 illegal firearms had been surrendered across North Rift counties, including Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Baringo, Samburu and West Pokot.

The CS said the government had used intelligence-led operations and local administrators to identify people suspected of possessing illegal firearms before directing them to surrender the weapons.

“I will go and camp in those areas until we have no illegal guns at all,” Murkomen said while warning that the operation would be extended to other affected regions.

In January 2026, Murkomen reported that 350 firearms had been recovered in Elgeyo Marakwet, meaning the latest NPS figures show that seven more weapons have since been removed from circulation in the county.

NPS hails residents

The NPS commended residents who have voluntarily handed over illegal weapons and shared information with security agencies.

“The National Police Service commends members of the public who continue to support the campaign by surrendering illegal firearms and sharing information with security agencies,” the statement read.

“This growing partnership demonstrates that lasting peace is built not through the possession of illegal weapons, but through collective responsibility, trust, and respect for the law.”

Operation continues

The police service said the disarmament campaign would continue through intelligence-led operations, strategic partnerships and community engagement.

“The Service remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining the campaign through intelligence-led operations, strategic partnerships, and community engagement,” the NPS stated.