Police in Isiolo County have taken possession of an AK-47 rifle and seven rounds of ammunition after a member of the public walked into a police station and voluntarily surrendered the illegal firearm.
The National Police Service has commended the individual’s decision to hand over the unauthorized weapon, describing it as a responsible and courageous act.
Authorities are using the incident to encourage others who may be in possession of illegal firearms to come forward and surrender them at their nearest police station without fear.
The surrender comes amidst the Kenyan government’s ongoing ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu,’ a multi-agency security initiative launched in 2023 that targets the North Rift and Northern Kenya regions with the aim of disarming civilians, curbing banditry, and reducing the proliferation of illegal firearms.
The operation, which remains active in 2026, has so far resulted in the surrender of over 1,200 illegal weapons.
The operation covers some of the country’s most volatile counties, including Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo.
It is jointly executed by the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service, with teams conducting regular patrols and working to restore order in affected communities.
The government’s approach combines amnesty periods that encourage voluntary and community-led weapon surrenders with, where necessary, forced disarmament operations to compel those unwilling to comply.
Authorities report that the operation has yielded positive results, with reduced attacks and improved movement in areas that were previously considered highly dangerous.
Despite the progress, the operation continues to face significant challenges.
The region has long been plagued by deep-rooted cattle rustling culture, and some disarmament efforts have been complicated by concerns over community security and the lack of long-term economic alternatives to livestock rearing.
The government has also put local leaders on notice, warning that those found to be inciting violence will be held personally accountable.
