IG Kanja orders immediate surrender of firearms in 13 Marsabit locations
Residents in these locations have been ordered to surrender any firearms in their possession to nearby police or administrative offices during daylight hours.
The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has issued a directive banning the possession of arms in several parts of Marsabit County that have been declared security disturbed and dangerous. The move, outlined in a gazette notice dated July 10 2025, takes effect immediately and targets thirteen specific locations that continue to face rising insecurity.
The order was made under Section 106(2)(a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, following the extension of the disturbed area declaration by the Interior Cabinet Secretary in consultation with the National Security Council.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 106 (2) (a) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Inspector-General of National Police Service prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County declared as security disturbed and dangerous,” the notice stated.
The affected areas include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee, and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
Residents in these locations have been ordered to surrender any firearms in their possession to nearby police or administrative offices during daylight hours.
“On the taking effect of this notice, all inhabitants of the said areas are ordered, with immediate effect, to surrender all arms in their possession to the nearest Police Station, Police Post, Police Camp and National Government Administration offices during the hours of the day for safe custody,” the Inspector General ordered.
According to the notice, the weapons will be returned to their lawful owners once the security operation ends and the notice is lifted.
“All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice,” Kanja stated.
The directive comes as the government steps up its disarmament operation and efforts to restore peace and stability in the troubled northern region.
