The government has initiated an operation in Migori County aimed at identifying areas where illegal firearms are concentrated, as part of a broader strategy to curb gun violence and the spread of unlicensed weapons.

According to Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua, the first step involves a thorough mapping of regions most affected particularly within the Kuria area before any disarmament appeals are made.

“The Kuria region has a significant number of illegal firearms,” Mutua said.

Once the mapping is complete, the government plans to call on those in possession of unlicensed guns to surrender them voluntarily. If they do not comply, authorities may escalate the intervention.

Mutua singled out Ntimaru and Kuria West sub-counties as the areas most deeply impacted by the presence of illegal firearms.

He expressed concern that certain individuals in Kuria West were exploiting the situation to engage in criminal activities.

Issuing a strong warning, the County Commissioner cautioned those behind the rising insecurity in Kuria East and Kuria West to cease their unlawful acts or face the full force of the law.

His remarks come in response to growing alarm from local leaders and residents over a surge in violent incidents many tied to land conflicts, livestock theft, and escalating insecurity in the region.

Francis Mwita, a resident of Kuria West, urged the government to urgently address the escalating security concerns in the area.

“We want the government to take action on the growing security threat we face in this region,” he said.

His plea comes in the wake of a violent incident last month, where a gang of armed criminals stormed a fuel station in Kuria West Sub-County, leaving two people nursing gunshot wounds.

Mutua issued a stern warning to criminal gangs operating in the Kuria region, stating that the government would not condone violent robberies or acts of lawlessness.

He underscored the need for community participation in enhancing security, urging residents to embrace the Nyumba Kumi initiative and assist authorities in identifying and reporting criminals living among them.

Mutua cautioned criminals in the Kuria region against taking advantage of cross-border family ties to traffic illegal firearms, which are later used to threaten and harm innocent residents.

He noted that these weapons have also fueled livestock theft along the borders shared with the Maasai, Kipsigis, and Luo communities activities that continue to undermine peace and hinder development efforts in the area.

“Security agencies have already recovered a number of illegal firearms, but intelligence reports indicate that many are still in circulation. We are committed to recovering all of them without delay,” Mutua said.

Mutua also urged the Kuria community to foster peaceful relations with neighbouring communities on both the Kenyan and Tanzanian sides of the border.

He emphasized that harmony and mutual respect are essential for enhancing security and promoting development in the region.