In a decisive move to curb escalating insecurity and restore peace in one of Kenya’s most volatile regions, the government has imposed a blanket ban on the possession of firearms in select parts of Marsabit County.
Declared as “security disturbed and dangerous” areas, these zones are now under stringent controls aimed at disarming civilians and mitigating threats to public safety.
This directive, issued amid ongoing concerns over inter-communal conflicts and banditry in the arid northern frontier, underscores the authorities’ commitment to stabilizing the region through proactive law enforcement measures.
The announcement, gazetted on September 11, 2025, by Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, mandates the immediate surrender of all arms by residents in 15 specified locations within Marsabit County.
This sweeping order is not merely a precautionary step but a legally empowered response rooted in Kenya’s robust framework for managing security challenges.
Drawing authority from Section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the directive empowers the National Police Service to regulate and control the possession, use, and movement of firearms in areas plagued by unrest.
This provision has historically been invoked in regions experiencing heightened violence, allowing for temporary disarmament to prevent escalation and facilitate peacekeeping operations.
Marsabit County, known for its vast landscapes, diverse ethnic communities, and recurrent clashes over resources such as water and grazing land, has long been a focal point for security interventions.
The affected areas—predominantly pastoralist settlements—include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Iress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjudo, Hillo Iress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee, and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
These locations, scattered across the county’s rugged terrain, have reportedly witnessed spikes in armed incidents, prompting the government to classify them as high-risk zones.
By targeting these specific hotspots, the ban aims to dismantle the cycle of violence that often stems from illegal arms proliferation, which exacerbates tribal rivalries and undermines community cohesion.
Under the terms of the notice, residents are compelled to relinquish their weapons without delay, ensuring compliance through accessible surrender points.
Firearms must be handed over at the nearest police stations, police posts, police camps, or offices of the national government administration during standard working hours.
This streamlined process is designed to encourage voluntary participation while minimizing disruptions to daily life. Authorities have emphasized that this is a temporary measure, with no intention of permanent confiscation.
In a reassuring clause, the directive explicitly states that all surrendered arms will be securely stored and returned to their rightful owners upon the revocation or lifting of the order.
This assurance is crucial in building trust among locals, many of whom rely on firearms for protection against wildlife or in traditional herding practices, highlighting the government’s balanced approach to security and cultural sensitivities.
The implications of this arms ban extend beyond immediate disarmament, potentially paving the way for broader peace-building initiatives in Marsabit.
Experts in conflict resolution note that such measures, when coupled with community dialogues and enhanced policing, can significantly reduce incidences of cattle rustling, revenge attacks, and cross-border incursions that have plagued the region for decades.
However, the success of this initiative hinges on effective enforcement and community buy-in, as past disarmament efforts in similar Kenyan counties like Turkana and West Pokot have faced challenges including resistance from armed groups and allegations of uneven application.
As Kenya continues to grapple with security dynamics in its northern counties, this latest directive serves as a reminder of the delicate interplay between law enforcement and socio-economic factors.
Residents in the designated areas are urged to comply promptly to avoid legal repercussions, while the government has pledged to monitor the situation closely.
For those affected, this could mark a turning point toward lasting stability, transforming Marsabit’s “dangerous” zones into safer havens for future generations.
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