Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for a coordinated regional strategy to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms, warning that unilateral national efforts are not enough to address the rising insecurity fueled by small arms across East Africa.
Speaking during the destruction of over 1,000 recovered illegal firearms in Ngong on Friday, Murkomen emphasized the need for cross-border cooperation among neighboring countries to ensure lasting peace and security.
“If we want to sort out the problem of proliferation of small arms and the insecurity problems in our region, it was discovered that it is an exercise in futility to conduct disarmament in one country and leave out neighboring countries,” he said. “A regional approach to disarmament and the confiscation of illegal firearms from civilians is the only strategic way to secure not just Kenya, but the entire region.”
The weapons destroyed were recovered during ongoing security operations, including Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government-led initiative targeting criminal gangs and banditry in northern and northeastern Kenya. According to Murkomen, the operation has reduced banditry incidents by up to 70% since President William Ruto assumed office.
“These weapons have caused the loss of countless lives, left families widowed, and displaced entire communities. The government’s investment in modern policing equipment and the establishment of specialized units has made a real difference,” he noted.
The destruction of the firearms comes as Nairobi hosts a Technical Advisory Committee meeting of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), an intergovernmental organization marking two decades of efforts to curb the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons.
Murkomen urged RECSA member states to renew their commitment to addressing emerging threats to peace and security, saying that stronger collaboration is crucial to tackling transnational arms trafficking and violent extremism.
“As we mark 20 years of RECSA, it is time to strengthen our collective resolve and act decisively against illegal arms, which are a threat to regional stability and development,” he said.
The event reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to international arms control frameworks and underscored the country’s role in leading regional efforts toward sustainable peace and security.
Written By Rodney Mbua
