Kenya Destroys 6,000 Illegal Firearms in Strong Stance against Gun Violence

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Kenya’s President William Ruto on Friday presided over the destruction of more than 6,000 illegal firearms, reinforcing his government’s firm commitment to curbing the spread of illicit weapons in the country and across the region.

The event, held at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County, marked one of the largest public arms disposal ceremonies in recent years. The firearms, recovered between 2022 and 2025, were either seized during security operations or voluntarily surrendered under government-run amnesty programmes.

“This is a powerful message: we will not allow violence to take root in our communities,” Ruto said during the event. “We are resolute in disarming those who threaten our peace and in strengthening the safety and security of every Kenyan.”

The president hailed the joint efforts by security agencies and civilian leaders in recovering the weapons. He specifically lauded religious and community leaders for championing peaceful disarmament campaigns in some of Kenya’s most volatile areas.

“I commend our security agencies and responsible citizens whose patriotism made this national milestone possible,” he added.

Ruto said the destruction aligned with Kenya’s obligations under regional and international frameworks, including the African Union’s Silencing the Guns by 2030 initiative and efforts led by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA).

But the president warned of continued risk from illegal arms circulating in the wider Horn of Africa.

“The Eastern Africa region remains flooded with small arms and light weapons that pose a persistent threat to our national and regional stability,” he cautioned. “To achieve sustainable peace, we must intensify efforts to remove illegal weapons from circulation.”

He urged remaining illegal firearm holders to surrender their weapons without delay, warning that possession — regardless of intent — is unlawful and will be met with the full weight of the law.

“An illegal firearm does not protect you — it puts your life in greater danger,” Ruto said.

The president also directed state institutions to enforce strict control over official government-issued weapons and ensure transparency in arms management.

Looking beyond national borders, Ruto announced Kenya’s intention to strengthen its participation in global arms control regimes.

“We are actively considering the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty, which aims to regulate international transfers of conventional arms and prevent their misuse,” he said.

As flames consumed the stockpile of seized weapons, Ruto concluded: “This is not just symbolic. It is a clear declaration that Kenya rejects the tools of violence and embraces the path of peace, order, and justice.”