Tana River residents surrender 2 illegal firearms in community disarmament drive
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 13, 2026Members of the Waldena community in Galedyertu Sub-County, Tana River County, have surrendered two illegal firearms and ammunition to security agencies in a move aimed at improving peace and security in the area.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the surrender followed community engagement efforts involving local leaders, administrators and residents. The firearms were handed over voluntarily as part of an ongoing campaign to remove illegal weapons from communities.
Police said the recovered firearms and ammunition had been placed in secure custody pending further processing.
The surrender comes amid continued government efforts to address insecurity in parts of northern and coastal Kenya, where illegal firearms have contributed to banditry, livestock theft and conflicts between communities.
In a statement shared on Monday, July 13, 2026, the National Police Service praised the Waldena community for cooperating with security agencies.
“The National Police Service commends this voluntary act and urges members of the public to report any information regarding illegal firearms or criminal activities to the nearest police station,” the service said.
The police said community participation remains important in tackling the spread of illegal firearms and improving security at the local level.
Push to remove illegal firearms
The surrender of the two firearms forms part of wider disarmament efforts by security agencies across areas affected by armed crime.
Illegal firearms have remained a major security concern in parts of northern Kenya, including Tana River, Samburu, Baringo, Isiolo and West Pokot counties.
Security officials have repeatedly encouraged residents holding illegal weapons to surrender them voluntarily before enforcement operations are launched.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently called on people illegally possessing firearms in parts of northern Kenya to hand them over to authorities.
Murkomen said the government was focused on recovering illegal weapons, restoring peace and dismantling criminal networks involved in banditry and the illegal gun trade.
“We know where you are, and we will come for you. Through intelligence-led operations, we will find you wherever you are, regardless of who you are, and we must deal with you,” Murkomen said during a security meeting in Samburu.
The government has linked illegal firearms to repeated attacks on communities, especially in areas where armed groups raid livestock or engage in conflicts over resources.
Community role in security
The National Police Service has continued to encourage members of the public to work with security agencies by providing information on illegal weapons and criminal activities.
Police said residents can report cases through the nearest police station, the toll-free numbers, the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline, or WhatsApp number.
Security agencies have increasingly relied on community engagement as part of efforts to improve intelligence gathering and prevent crime before it happens.
The surrender in Galedyertu Sub-County highlights the role of local communities in supporting government efforts to reduce the circulation of illegal firearms.
Authorities said they will continue working with residents, local leaders and administrators to encourage more people with illegal weapons to surrender them.
The NPS has urged communities across the country to support peace initiatives and provide information that can help security agencies prevent crime and protect lives.