Police recover AK-47 rifle and ammunition in Elgeyo Marakwet operation
By Lutta Njomo, September 7, 2025A multi-agency security team has recovered a rifle and ammunition following a well-coordinated operation in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
In a statement on Saturday, September 6, 2025, the National Police Service confirmed the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, twelve rounds of ammunition, two magazines, and a smoke jacket.
According to NPS, the recovery came after officers conducted an intelligence-led operation in the Kabetwa area of Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Interception
During the well-orchestrated operation, the security officers intercepted an individual believed to be a bandit and seized the rifle.
“The exhibits have been secured as evidence, while the person of interest is in custody pending processing and arraignment in court,” the national police service detailed.
“The National Police Service commends the vigilance and dedication of the officers engaged in anti-banditry operations and reaffirms its commitment to enhancing security within the Kerio Valley and other affected regions,” the statement added.
The operation was part of the wider strategy aimed at silencing the guns and offering bandits a chance to reform.
Murkomen’s olive branch
In July 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen extended an olive branch to bandits terrorising the Northern region, urging them to surrender their firearms in exchange for scholarships and affordable housing jobs.
Speaking to the press during the 20th Jukwaa la Usalama town hall meeting in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen explained that banditry has severely undermined the security and stability of the region by destroying livelihoods and plunging families into poverty.
He appealed to the bandits to surrender their weapons in exchange for leniency from the government, which would in turn offer scholarships to technical colleges to help them acquire practical skills.
“We are extending an olive branch to all people with firearms and have participated in criminal activities to present themselves before police officers,” he said.
“I am ready to work with relevant agencies, surrender your gun, we’ll take you to a technical college and a construction site to go and build affordable housing instead of engaging in these acts,” he added.