The government has reaffirmed its determination to recover all illegal firearms in Samburu and Isiolo counties as part of intensified efforts to restore lasting peace and security.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would not relent in its efforts to flush out illegal guns and ammunition from the two counties, noting that the proliferation of firearms had continued to undermine peace and development in the region.

Murkomen spoke during a fundraiser in aid of the Nandi Hills Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) branch, where leaders and teachers raised funds towards the construction of an office block and purchase of a bus for the union.

He said security agencies had been directed to intensify operations, aimed at identifying and recovering illegal firearms, adding that the government would pursue individuals and networks involved in the illegal acquisition, movement and use of guns.

“The security operation would target both individuals possessing illegal firearms and those facilitating criminal activities through the supply of weapons and ammunition,” Murkomen said.

The CS maintained that the government’s priority was to restore peace and enable residents of Samburu and Isiolo to undertake their economic activities without fear of armed attacks.

He said security agencies would continue working with local communities to obtain information on the whereabouts of illegal firearms and individuals involved in banditry.

He urged residents to cooperate with the authorities by providing information that could assist in recovering weapons and apprehending criminals, saying community participation was critical in the fight against insecurity.

The CS also warned people involved in buying stolen livestock that they risked facing the law, noting that the market for stolen animals continued to provide incentives for banditry and cattle rustling.

The government will pursue the entire chain supporting criminal activities, including those facilitating the movement and sale of stolen livestock,” he stated.

Murkomen further called for caution during security operations to ensure that innocent civilians and their property were protected.

He said security agencies must exercise professionalism while dealing with threats posed by armed criminals, noting that the government was committed to strengthening security infrastructure and deploying adequate personnel to areas affected by banditry to enhance surveillance and response to emerging threats.

The CS said restoring peace in Samburu and Isiolo was important not only for the safety of residents, but also for the economic development of the region, as insecurity had disrupted livestock keeping, trade, education and other social activities.

Meanwhile, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) National Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the union would continue investing in infrastructure aimed at improving services to teachers at the grassroots.

Oyuu said the construction of the Nandi Hills KNUT office block would provide a permanent and conducive working environment for union officials, while enabling teachers to access services more conveniently.

“The purchase of a bus would also strengthen the branch’s capacity to undertake union activities, including transportation of teachers during meetings, training programmes and other engagements,” he said.

The unionist called on teachers and other stakeholders to support the initiative, saying the development of the office block and acquisition of the bus would be an investment in the welfare and organisation of teachers.

He said strong branch structures were essential in ensuring that teachers’ concerns were addressed effectively and that members remained connected to their union.

The KNUT official further urged teachers to remain united and continue supporting programmes designed to strengthen the profession and improve the welfare of educators.

The office block is expected to provide additional space for the Nandi Hills branch to conduct its administrative and union activities, while the bus will ease transportation challenges faced by members during various programmes.

Oyuu said the projects demonstrated the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening institutions serving teachers.

He expressed optimism that continued support from teachers and other well-wishers would enable the branch to achieve its development targets.

Murkomen further said insecurity in parts of northern Kenya could not be allowed to undermine the progress being made in infrastructure, education, health and economic development.

He reiterated that the government would continue with efforts to recover illegal firearms and disrupt criminal networks operating in Samburu and Isiolo.

He said the security agencies would work closely with communities to ensure that illegal weapons were removed from circulation and that residents could enjoy lasting peace.

The CS maintained that the government’s security interventions would be sustained until normalcy was restored, while urging residents to reject banditry and embrace peaceful coexistence.

The recovery of illegal firearms is expected to contribute to improved security and create a safer environment for residents to pursue their livelihoods.

By Sammy Mwibanda