President William Ruto on Friday, June 13, 2025, presided over the destruction of over 6,000 illegal firearms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County, in a firm statement against the proliferation of illicit arms in Kenya.

The weapons, recovered between 2022 and 2025, were either voluntarily surrendered by the public or seized during operations by security agencies.

“Today’s ceremony, which marks the destruction of more than 6,000 illegal firearms recovered between 2022 and 2025, therefore sends a clear and powerful message: we will not allow violence to take root in our communities, and we remain firmly committed to disarming those who threaten our peace and to strengthening the safety and security of every citizen,” Ruto said.

The president acknowledged the positive response from the public to government-run amnesty programs and praised community and religious leaders for their role in encouraging disarmament.

“I commend both our security agencies and responsible citizens, including religious and community leaders, whose civic-mindedness and patriotism have made this national milestone possible,” he stated.

Ruto noted that the destruction of firearms is part of his government’s broader commitment to regional and global peace and security efforts.

“Our efforts to recover illicit small arms and light weapons are aligned with the African Union’s ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030’ initiative, led by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons,” he said.

Warning of ongoing risks, the president cautioned that Kenya could not afford complacency.

“The Eastern Africa region remains awash with illegal small arms and light weapons, many of which can easily cross our borders and infiltrate our communities,” he said.

“To achieve lasting peace, we must continue working tirelessly to remove all illegal weapons from circulation, both within Kenya and across the region.”

He urged any remaining holders of illegal weapons to surrender them under the ongoing amnesty.

“Do not wait. An illegal firearm makes you less safe; it compromises your safety rather than securing it,” Ruto warned.

“Regardless of your intentions, possession of illegal firearms is unlawful, and those found in possession will face the full force of the law.”

He further directed that state agencies responsible for managing government firearms “uphold strict accountability and ensure proper management and control of arms under their charge.”

On Kenya’s global commitments, the president announced plans to pursue international arms control treaties.

“Consequently, we are actively considering the ratification of global treaties, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, which seeks to regulate international trade in conventional arms and prevent their illicit diversion and misuse,” Ruto said.

As the destruction flame was lit, Ruto concluded: “The destruction of these firearms is not merely a symbolic act; it is a tangible declaration that we reject the tools of harm and embrace the values of peace, order, and justice.”