Government Recovers 2,600 Illegal Firearms, 17,000 Livestock in Anti-Banditry Operations

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the recoveries were made through Operation Maliza Uhalifu, launched in February 2023, and the subsequent disarmament campaign, Operation Rudisha Bunduki.

He said the operations form part of a broader government strategy to restore security in areas where banditry has disrupted education, trade, livestock farming and access to essential services.

According to Omollo, the approach combines security deployments with investments in infrastructure, public services and community-led initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying causes of recurring violence.

Sh4.2 Billion Invested in Security Infrastructure

The PS said the government has invested more than KSh4.2 billion in security roads and related infrastructure, resulting in the construction or improvement of more than 520 kilometres of roads.

The projects are intended to improve access to markets, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting economic activity in areas affected by insecurity.

Omollo also cited the rehabilitation of classrooms at Ngarachi Comprehensive School in Laikipia by Kenya Defence Forces engineers and their partners as part of efforts to restore education infrastructure in affected communities.

He said security interventions must be supported by functioning schools, health facilities and water systems to enable communities to benefit from improved stability.

Community Engagement and Accountability

Omollo called for stronger community participation in preventing attacks, identifying security threats and resolving disputes, particularly those involving access to grazing land and water resources.

He identified Nyumba Kumi structures, National Government Administration Officers and local security teams as important channels for intelligence gathering and early intervention.

The PS also emphasised accountability in security operations, stating that law enforcement agencies must respect citizens’ rights and investigate allegations of misconduct.

He said lasting peace would require addressing historical grievances between neighbouring communities, supporting families affected by violence and expanding economic opportunities for young people.

The government also intends to intensify operations against criminal networks involved in livestock theft, including financiers of raids and individuals facilitating the trade in stolen animals.

Restoring Economic Activity in Affected Regions

Omollo said the success of the security interventions would ultimately be measured by whether children can attend school without disruption, pastoralists can move livestock safely and businesses can operate without fear of attacks.

“The true measure of success will be found not merely in the number of firearms recovered or roads constructed, but in the lives people are finally able to lead,” he said.

His remarks come in the wake of the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations, which were jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties on October 20, with the main national event held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

The celebrations also provided an opportunity to highlight security and development initiatives in the North Rift.

The government says its long-term objective is to consolidate security gains, strengthen public infrastructure and enable communities in banditry-affected regions to pursue economic opportunities without the threat of renewed violence.