Murkomen declares one-month amnesty for surrender of illicit firearms

Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a one-month amnesty for the surrender of illicit firearms, ammunition, and other small arms and light weapons. This initiative was introduced during the launch of Africa Amnesty Month 2026 in Nairobi. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja presented Murkomen's speech, encouraging those with illegal weapons to surrender them without hesitation during this period.

The government's Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary emphasized that voluntary disarmament is crucial to reducing armed conflict and enhancing peace and security nationwide. He urged communities to resolve disputes peacefully, without resorting to firearms, and suggested that conflicts should be settled through lawful and peaceful methods.

Murkomen stated, "Conflicts must not be settled by the might of a firearm, but by the force of law. The property of one community can no longer be allowed to change hands through the crack of gunfire, but through willing exchange in the marketplace." The government is committed to combating the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons, which have fueled insecurity and armed conflicts in various regions.

This amnesty is part of Kenya's involvement in Africa Amnesty Month, a campaign promoting the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms and ammunition while fostering peace and security. Authorities will leverage the one-month window to urge individuals with illegal weapons to hand them over voluntarily as part of wider efforts to diminish the circulation of firearms within communities.