President William Ruto has vowed to end the long-standing insecurity in Baringo County, warning armed criminals that their days are numbered.

Speaking in Kabarnet Town, Baringo County, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the President said the government will not tolerate continued bandit attacks and livestock theft in the region.

“Na mimi nataka niwaeleze watu wa Baringo. Hii Baringo imesumbuliwa miaka mingi na mambo ya kukosekana kwa usalama,” Ruto said.

“Nilitoa amri na niliwaambia nikisimama hapa Kabarnet, ya kwamba mambo ya majangili na bandits, tutapambana na wao. And I want to promise you, hawa watu wa kuiba ng’ombe hapa na bunduki kidogo kidogo, hawa watu nitawasort out completely.”

The President revealed that security operations have already achieved progress, with locals surrendering hundreds of firearms.

“Tayari wamerudisha bunduki mia sita, na bado. Bado kuna wengine wako na bunduki, na nimewapatia ilani warudishe bunduki mapema. Wasiporudishe bunduki, haya basi, mtu asiniulize mambo mingi,” he added.

Ruto also directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure all illegal firearms are surrendered to security agencies.

“Tumeweka askari ya kutosha. Nimepatia amri huyu Kipchumba Murkomen, nimemwambia mpaka bunduki yote iwe katika mikono ya serikali,” he said.

The President’s remarks come amid a continued government push to end banditry through the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu, launched to restore peace in the North Rift. The operation has seen a massive disarmament campaign and deployment of additional security personnel across Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Turkana counties.

Murkomen hails residents’ cooperation

Interior CS Murkomen, who accompanied the President, confirmed that the government’s disarmament efforts are bearing fruit. He praised residents for cooperating with security agencies and supporting peacebuilding efforts.

“Hawa wananchi wa sehemu hii ni watu wazuri, Your Excellency. Wamejitolea kwa roho moja. Wamesema wanataka kuishi kama ndugu na dada,” Murkomen said.

“Ile mashule ilikuwa imefungwa imefunguliwa. Kazi yenye tulianzia pale border ya Marakwet na Pokot na Baringo County, tayari sasa tumechukua bunduki 602, Your Excellency. Kwa Baringo, tumechukua 170 guns. Na hiyo ni kona moja hatujakuja kona hii yote.”

Murkomen assured the public that the disarmament drive will continue until all illegal guns are recovered.

“We will make sure all guns that are in the hands of civilians are removed so that people can live in peace,” he stated.

Earlier this month, Murkomen confirmed that 285 firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition had been surrendered in the Kerio Valley. Speaking on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Sambirir, Marakwet East, he said the move marked a turning point in the government’s campaign against banditry.

“We commend the reformed bandits who accepted our olive branch and have since surrendered firearms,” he said at the time. “The government will support them through a comprehensive anti-radicalisation and reintegration programme to ensure they fully return to productive community life.”

Murkomen explained that the Kerio Valley region is already seeing positive results from the ongoing security efforts. He credited the combination of policing, development projects, and community outreach for restoring calm in areas previously affected by violence.

“The guns are falling silent, normalcy is returning, and the empowerment of local communities is taking shape,” he said. “Our collective efforts are beginning to bear tangible results.”

The North Rift region has for years endured deadly cattle raids, cross-border clashes, and school closures due to insecurity. Recent months have seen a shift as residents begin to return to their farms, and schools reopen under police protection.

Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to completely eradicating banditry, saying peace and security are key to unlocking the region’s economic potential.

“Hatuwezi kuishi ati ni county ya mayatima,” he said, stressing that Baringo must move forward in unity and peace.