Ruto warns Samburu gun owners: Join police or face force
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 9, 2025President William Ruto has warned residents in Samburu County to surrender illegal firearms immediately or face government action.
Speaking on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the president said authorities know who owns guns and will act decisively against anyone keeping them illegally.
“Sisi tunajua nani ako na bunduki. Na wewe my friend sikiza mimi sawa sawa. Kama kuna rafiki ya huyo mtu ako na bunduki ako hapa, hiyo bunduki uko naye, we will come for it. Tutakuja kuchukua, leta mapema,” Ruto said.
“Kila mtu iko na bunduki, tafadhali my friends, mapema asubuhi rudisha bunduki. Hakuna mwananchi atakuwa na bunduki. Wewe kama unataka kuchunga ng’ombe, tafuta fimbo. Bunduki wachana naye.”
The president emphasised that firearms have caused deaths and destruction, leaving widows and orphans. He said guns kill people, livestock, and children.
He urged residents to protect their property with sticks instead of weapons. For those willing to serve lawfully, he offered an opportunity to join the police and continue their work legally.
“Kama unataka mambo ya bunduki, tunaajiri police next week. Wewe kuja tukuajiri kwa polisi uende ushike bunduki uendele na hiyo kazi,” Ruto said.
Disarmament efforts gain momentum
Ruto’s message in Samburu follows a similar warning he issued in Baringo County on October 28, 2025. There, he vowed to end banditry and cattle rustling, warning armed criminals that their days were numbered. Speaking in Kabarnet, he said the government would not tolerate continued attacks or livestock theft and promised to deal with criminals decisively.
“Tayari wamerudisha bunduki mia sita, na bado kuna wengine wako na bunduki. Nimewapatia ilani warudishe bunduki mapema. Wasiporudishe bunduki, haya basi, mtu asiniulize mambo mengi,” Ruto said. He directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure all illegal firearms are handed over to security agencies.
Murkomen confirmed that the disarmament campaign is yielding results, with residents surrendering hundreds of guns across the North Rift region, including Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, and now Samburu.
Earlier in October, 285 firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition were handed in from Kerio Valley. Murkomen said the campaign will continue until all illegal firearms are recovered and civilians can live safely.