Speaking on Sunday, the Head of State said the government would no longer tolerate the illegal circulation of guns, warning that failure to comply with the directive would attract firm action by law enforcement officers.
The President stated that individuals holding firearms without proper authorization had been given a short window to voluntarily surrender them to the indicate authorities.
He added that the weapons could be handed over not only to the police but also through trusted intermediaries such as religious leaders, including bishops, who would ensure they reach security agencies safely.
“Anyone who has a gun illegally should surrender it immediately. This is an opportunity to do the right thing peacefully,” President Ruto said.
However, the President warned that those who choose to defy the directive would face the full force of the law.
“If we are forced to come for you, you will not be happy,” Ruto cautioned, stressing that security agencies would not hesitate to act decisively against individuals found in possession of illegal firearms.
Backing the President’s remarks, Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai publicly supported the directive, emphasizing that firearms should only be handled by trained and authorized officers.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Alai said the law is clear that civilians are not allowed to own guns without proper licensing and approval.
“Anyone who has a gun illegally should surrender it immediately. This is an opportunity to do the right thing peacefully,” President Ruto said.
However, the President warned that those who choose to defy the directive would face the full force of the law.
“If we are forced to come for you, you will not be happy,” Ruto cautioned, stressing that security agencies would not hesitate to act decisively against individuals found in possession of illegal firearms.
Backing the President’s remarks, Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai publicly supported the directive, emphasizing that firearms should only be handled by trained and authorized officers.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Alai said the law is clear that civilians are not allowed to own guns without proper licensing and approval.
He noted that illegal firearms pose a major threat to public safety and are often linked to violent crimes that endanger innocent lives.
“Guns must only be in the hands of trained and authorized officers. Illegal guns are dangerous and have no place in our society,” Alai stated.
“Guns must only be in the hands of trained and authorized officers. Illegal guns are dangerous and have no place in our society,” Alai stated.
The MCA urged individuals holding illegal weapons to take the President’s warning seriously and comply with the directive before security agencies launch operations to recover the firearms.
President Ruto further emphasized that no individual, regardless of status or influence, is above the law.
He assured Kenyans that any security operations conducted in pursuit of illegal firearms would be firm but carried out within the confines of the law.
The renewed push against illegal gun ownership comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of gun-related crimes and insecurity in parts of the country.
The renewed push against illegal gun ownership comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of gun-related crimes and insecurity in parts of the country.
The government has repeatedly blamed the circulation of unlicensed firearms for violent robberies, political violence, and other criminal activities.
Security experts have welcomed the directive, saying voluntary surrender of illegal weapons could significantly reduce crime and enhance public safety if implemented effectively.
Security experts have welcomed the directive, saying voluntary surrender of illegal weapons could significantly reduce crime and enhance public safety if implemented effectively.