Return of three firearms by herders has been described as a “major breakthrough” in the ongoing Kenya government disarmament campaign in Kerio Valley region.

On Tuesday evening, three illegal firearms were voluntarily surrendered to police in West Pokot, giving a glimmer of hope that the predominantly pastoralist community will surrender illegal firearms in their possession.

The breakthrough came within timeline in the national amnesty period aimed at promoting peace by disarming bandits in North Rift – particularly in West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Turkana counties through voluntary surrender of illegal firearms.

The surrendered weapons are an AK-47 rifle with seven rounds of ammunition that was handed over by Geoffrey Mutai of Chepkogogh location, Lomut Ward. The other firearm was an FN rifle with one round of ammunition surrendered by Ywakan Loripit Atodongiro of Sekerot Location, Masol Ward in Pokot Central Sub-County. Another AK-47 rifle with four rounds of ammunition was turned in by Muriyo Atodongiro Tuimot.

The disarmament follows a recent Jukwaa la Usalama (Security Forum) held in Kapenguria and attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, during which government officials appealed to individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them under the amnesty programme.

Speaking on the development, West Pokot County Commissioner, Abdullahi Khalif, praised the surrender as a significant step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.

“These firearms are fully operational and pose a serious threat to community safety. We thank those who voluntarily surrendered and urged others to do the same before the amnesty window closes,’’ said Khalif.

He pointed out that after the amnesty period ends, the government will begin a forceful disarmament operation targeting all profiled individuals still in possession of illegal weapons.

Commissioner Khalif announced that the government will support those who surrender firearms by enrolling them in technical and vocational institutes (TVETs) to acquire job skills. He further said that the government will be offering those who surrender employment opportunities, especially under the affordable housing programme.

“The government will further provide relief food and bursaries to their families to ease reintegration into society,” he said.

He went on, “We want to exchange the gun with a pen. We are committed to helping reformed individuals rebuild their lives.”

County Police Commander Abdullahi Jire also welcomed the initiative stating that illegal firearms fuels insecurity and must be removed from civilian ownership.

“If someone is illegally armed, there can never be peace. Those who have surrendered their families have taken a wise step,” said Jire.

Pokot Central Deputy Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo credited the successful recovery to the collaboration between the county security team, local chiefs and community elders.

“After the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, we immediately began sensitisation and community engagement. The profiling of those with illegal firearms was critical, and we are glad some have responded positively,” Tumo explained.

He said the act marks a significant story in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Kerio Valley.

“The surrender of these illegal weapons is a step forward towards lasting security and community trust,” he said.

West Pokot County Director for Peace Reverend Jackson Alukusia thanked the county commissioner, Pokot sub-county deputy county commissioner and other county security teams for their unwavering efforts in enhancing security in the region.

“Special thanks also to the area chiefs for their commendable leadership and for engaging with local communities, a dialogue that has led to the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms by some individuals.

He urged those who are still in possession of illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty periods and surrender them willingly. He said the surrender of illegal guns is a crucial opportunity to turn a new page and contribute to a safer future for all.

He acknowledged the support of County Governor Simon Kachapin, who he said supports individuals who voluntarily surrender the firearms.

Residents expressed optimism about the region’s future. Samson Kaituk from Chepkogogh said: “I’m proud to see my in-law surrender his weapon. We want peace and freedom in our lives.”

Raymond Ruto a resident of Tirap Sub-Location, echoed the sentiment: “Our youth need to focus on farming and education. Peace has brought us five months of silence with no gunshots, just progress.”

He urged others still holding illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty period, warning that forceful disarmament would soon follow. Authorities reiterated that time is running out for voluntary surrender and the government will not relent in its mission to secure the North Rift region.

They further affirm that a coordinated forceful disarmament campaign is set to commence immediately after the amnesty period ends.

• A Tell Media / KNA report/ By Anthony Melly