Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has banned the possession of firearms in several security-hit areas of Marsabit County, ordering residents to hand over their weapons as the government steps up efforts to curb armed violence.
The directive follows a decision by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to extend the declaration of the affected areas as security-disturbed and dangerous for another 30 days under the National Police Service Act.
The order covers Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
In a notice issued under Section 106(2)(a) of the National Police Service Act, Kanja said residents must surrender all firearms to the nearest police station, police post, police camp or National Government Administration office during daylight hours.
“The Inspector-General of National Police Service prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County declared as security disturbed and dangerous,” the notice states.
Kanja assured firearm owners that weapons surrendered under the directive would be returned once the restrictions are lifted.
“All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice,” he said.
The Interior Ministry said the extension followed consultations with the National Security Council and forms part of a broader effort to restore order in parts of Marsabit that have experienced recurring cattle rustling and armed attacks.
Officials say restricting access to firearms will allow security agencies to carry out operations more effectively while reducing the risk to civilians.
The latest measures come days after security officers recovered 251 sheep and goats in Loiyangalani following a gun battle with suspected bandits. Authorities said officers tracked the suspects to Lokilipi and Sarima, where the operation escalated into an exchange of fire.
According to security agencies, the suspects fled after abandoning the stolen livestock when confronted by officers.
The government says the temporary restrictions are intended to disrupt criminal networks, reduce the circulation of illegal weapons and help restore stability in one of Kenya’s most volatile regions.
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