The ongoing voluntary disarmament programme in Elgeyo Marakwet County has recorded yet another breakthrough after a resident of Sewet Village, Kipchumwa Sub-Location, surrendered an illegal AK-47 rifle loaded with eight rounds of ammunition to security agencies.

“The ongoing voluntary disarmament programme in Elgeyo Marakwet County continues to yield results. Yesterday, a member of the public from Sewet Village, Kipchumwa Sub-Location, voluntarily surrendered an illegal AK-47 rifle with eight rounds of ammunition to security agencies,” read an NPS X post dated December 7, 2025.

The handover, made on Saturday, marks continued progress in Operation Rudisha Bunduki, the multi-agency campaign targeting illegal firearms in the Kerio Valley region.

Community cooperation praised

The National Police Service (NPS) commended the public for sustained collaboration with security teams as efforts intensify to rid the area of unlawful weapons.

This latest recovery comes just hours after two other individuals voluntarily surrendered illegal firearms at Embobut Police Station in Marakwet East. Security officers confirmed that the weapons handed in included two AK-47 rifles; one was loaded with twenty-two rounds of ammunition, while the second was surrendered with an empty magazine.

With the three rifles recovered within a single day, the total number of illegal firearms surrendered or seized in Elgeyo Marakwet since the start of the current disarmament operation now stands at three hundred and fourteen.

Authorities say the continued cooperation from residents demonstrates growing trust in state-led peace and security interventions across the North Rift region.

Operation Rudisha Bunduki

According to multi-agency teams on the ground, the voluntary surrender of illegal arms is steadily taking root in a region long affected by cattle rustling and banditry.

Security agencies have been working closely with community elders, local leaders and residents to encourage the safe return of weapons, which they say is crucial in securing lives and livelihoods.

The NPS reiterated that the disarmament exercise is not punitive but intended to enhance long-term stability.

“The Service commends local community members for their continued cooperation with the multi-agency security team in the ongoing effort to recover illegal firearms and enhance national security,” the statement read.

Authorities have urged individuals still in possession of illegal weapons to take advantage of the ongoing amnesty window and surrender them without fear of prosecution.

The police reassured residents of confidentiality and protection for anyone willing to hand over firearms voluntarily.