A resident of Kipchumwa Location in Marakwet East Sub-County has surrendered an illegal firearm following ongoing government efforts to end banditry and restore peace in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

National Police Service (NPS) says the firearm, which was accompanied by a magazine and two rounds of ammunition, was handed over to officers at Embobut Police Station and has since been placed in safe custody.

“Banditry remains a menace that has caused untold suffering, loss of lives and disruption of livelihoods in the region. We affirm our unwavering commitment to eradicating this vice through continuous engagement and security operations,” NPS says.

Ove the years, banditry and use of illegal fire arms have painted black areas like Kerio Valley, Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, and Laikipia.

It is a dark trend that has pushed the government to embark on highly intensive campaigns across the country’s North Rift and Upper Eastern regions, with the interior and national administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen quoted as saying that at by end of September (last month), government had recovered at least 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition.

“We will ensure that all illegal firearms are confiscated as a measure to ensure an end to deaths of innocent Kenyans as well as livestock,” CS. Murkomen says.