Security operations in the Kerio Valley received a significant boost after reformed bandits voluntarily surrendered themselves and handed firearms to security agencies under the ongoing amnesty initiative.
The surrendered items included two firearms, two magazines, 21 rounds of ammunition, and assorted police uniforms, which were formally handed over to law enforcement authorities for further administrative and forensic procedures.
Confirming the development, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samuel Okoyo, speaking on behalf of the Kerio Valley Sub-County Security Committee, said the voluntary disarmament exercise was part of a seven-day amnesty window targeting individuals in unlawful possession of firearms.
“We are currently left with seven days of the amnesty period. To date, four individuals have voluntarily surrendered to security agencies and handed over their firearms, which they had previously used in the commission of criminal activities,” SSP Okoyo stated. “Today, we received two individuals, Meshack Kibor from Siboe Location in Tot Ward and Brighton Tarus, also from Tot. On Sunday, another individual, Ruto Harsa from Kettut Location, also presented himself and surrendered a firearm.” revealed Okoyo.
The senior officer underscored that restoring stability in Kerio Valley had been a protracted and resource-intensive process. “It has taken extensive coordination and sacrifice to achieve the relative calm now being experienced in the Kerio Valley. We commend all the multi-agency security formations that have been instrumental in this progress,” he noted.
SSP Okoyo cautioned individuals still possessing illicit arms to take advantage of the amnesty. “We reiterate our call to all those holding illegal firearms to present themselves to the nearest security office within the remaining window. After its expiry, enforcement measures will be instituted in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He further indicated that surrendered individuals would be engaged as “peace ambassadors” to encourage wider disarmament across the region. At the same time, he issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the illicit firearms trade. “Those engaged in the trafficking and sale of firearms must desist and surrender their stockpiles. At the lapse of the amnesty period, security agencies will mount decisive operations to neutralize this illegal trade,” he said.
Kerio Valley Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ezekiel Amonde reiterated the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration of the reformed bandits. “We intend to begin with structured rehabilitation, thereafter nurture them to transition into productive livelihoods. The objective is to ensure they secure alternative socio-economic opportunities and co-exist peacefully within the community,” Amonde said.
He added that engagements had already been held with the individuals, who pledged to support the recovery of additional arms and persuade their counterparts still at large to surrender. “This is just the first phase. More phases will follow in collaboration with stakeholders and the Internal Security docket. We also urge neighbouring counties of West Pokot and Baringo to replicate this approach so that lasting peace can be realised across the North Rift,” he stated.
Both officials acknowledged the role of faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, and community actors in peacebuilding, commending their contribution to dialogue and reconciliation initiatives.
The reformed bandits, on their part, undertook never to return to crime, pledging adherence to the law and readiness to pursue sustainable livelihoods with government support.
“As police, our constitutional mandate is to protect life and property and to preserve public order. We remain committed to consolidating the gains made and ensuring that peace in Kerio Valley is not only achieved but sustained,” SSP Okoyo emphasised.
By Rennish Okong’o
