Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the 13 regions in Marsabit County to surrender their firearms amid rising insecurity.
The Inspector General issued a notice on Thursday, September 11, indicating the affected regions had already been declared “security disturbed and dangerous” by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The places are 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.
The gun owners among the residents have been ordered to hand over their firearms to the nearest police station, government office, or camp for safekeeping.
Kanja clarified that the move is a stopgap and the guns will be returned as soon as the notice is lifted.
Under the powers given by section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, I prohibit arms possession in the following places in Marsabit County, which I hereby declare as security disturbed and dangerous,” said the Inspector General.
The directive comes after Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen extended the July 1 gazette notice declaring the 13 areas security disturbance zones.
He explained that the extension, which took effect on Saturday, September 13, at 6:30 pm, was following consultations with the National Security Council.
The extension will hold for 30 days, although Murkomen added that it would be revoked or extended as per the situation of security.
Marsabit County has in recent times grappled with persistent conflicts, banditry, and unauthorized ownership of firearms, prompting successive government security operations.
