Residents of Tana North and Bangale sub-counties have been urged to voluntarily surrender all illegally held firearms as the government intensifies efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
Coast Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich directed residents of Bura Constituency and surrounding areas to hand over illegal weapons to security agencies, warning that those found in possession of unlicensed firearms after the expiry of the government amnesty would face legal action.
“We urge all residents in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them immediately. The government will take firm action against anyone found with unauthorized weapons after the amnesty period,” Rotich said.
The directive comes after the expiry of a government-issued amnesty announced earlier this year, which allowed civilians to surrender illegal firearms without prosecution.
The move follows a series of recurring inter-community clashes in Bangale Sub-County. Security officials recently held consultations with chiefs, assistant chiefs, village elders and religious leaders in an effort to strengthen peace and improve cooperation with law enforcement.
According to security reports, several locations in Tana North and Bangale are believed to have illegally owned firearms. The report indicates that Bangale has the highest number of suspected illegal firearms at 37, followed by Chewele (22), Areri (13), Duka Notu (10), Hirimani (9), Madogo (8), Bura (7), Nanigi (7), Boka (5) and Sala (3).
Tana River County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi has instructed chiefs and their deputies to work closely with security agencies by reporting individuals suspected of possessing illegal firearms.
“Chiefs must work hand in hand with security agencies by providing information on those illegally possessing firearms. Community cooperation is critical in restoring lasting peace,” Mwangi said.
He also urged all government officers to work together to ensure normalcy returns to the affected areas.
“Anyone found inciting violence or undermining peace will face the full force of the law,” he added.
Authorities say the disarmament exercise is part of broader efforts to curb insecurity and prevent further inter-community violence in Tana River County.
