Turkana Residents Voluntarily Hand Over 26 Rifles in Security Drive
Turkana, 8 April 2026
Twenty-six illegal firearms, including 21 AK-47 rifles and military-grade weapons, were voluntarily surrendered by Turkana County residents on 6 April 2026, bringing the total recovered weapons in the North Rift region to over 348. The handover occurred during Operation Rudisha Bunduki in Katilu, demonstrating unprecedented community cooperation with authorities in a region historically plagued by banditry and cattle rustling. Police officials praised the voluntary nature of the surrender, marking a significant shift in community trust towards law enforcement in an area that has experienced over 110 deaths in recent years.
Breakdown of Surrendered Weapons
The National Police Service confirmed that the 26 surrendered weapons comprised 21 AK-47 rifles, two M16 rifles, two MK4 firearms and one G3 rifle [1][3]. This latest handover follows a pattern of increasing voluntary weapons surrender in the region, with residents in Turkana and West Pokot counties having previously handed over 42 weapons in March 2026 [1]. The weapons were collected during an operation in Katilu as part of the ongoing Operation Rudisha Bunduki, a comprehensive security initiative targeting banditry, cattle rustling, and armed violence across the North Rift region [3].
Regional Security Context and Impact on Refugee Communities
The disarmament efforts carry particular significance for Turkana County, which hosts both Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps alongside local host communities [GPT]. The successful weapons recovery represents a crucial step towards improving security conditions that directly affect both refugee populations and their Turkana hosts, who have historically faced shared security challenges from armed groups and cattle rustlers [GPT]. According to the National Police Service, banditry and cattle rustling have caused immense suffering, including loss of lives and livelihoods, with operations now targeting both perpetrators and their financial supporters [1]. The growing cooperation between security teams, local communities, and elders demonstrates a shift towards collaborative approaches that benefit all residents regardless of their status [3].
Broader Disarmament Campaign Progress
The April 2026 surrender brings the total number of illicit firearms recovered in the North Rift region to over 348 weapons [1][3], marking substantial progress in Kenya’s comprehensive disarmament strategy. This national initiative includes voluntary surrenders in Turkana and Samburu counties, with authorities having destroyed over 6,000 weapons in June 2025 to prevent re-circulation [1]. Security operations continue across counties affected by banditry, including Meru, where violence has resulted in over 110 deaths in the past four years and at least 11 deaths since January 2026, alongside the theft of hundreds of cattle [1].
Community Trust and Future Security Outlook
The National Police Service emphasised that these results demonstrate communities are increasingly trusting law enforcement and willing to work together towards a safer future [1]. NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga highlighted that the operation targets both perpetrators and those who support them financially, representing a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity [1]. The voluntary nature of the weapon handovers, rather than forced confiscation, signals a potential turning point in community-police relations that could have lasting positive effects on security conditions for both refugee camps and surrounding host communities. This collaborative approach may serve as a model for similar disarmament efforts across Kenya’s conflict-affected regions, where sustainable peace requires genuine community participation and trust-building between all stakeholders [GPT].