Firearm ban issued in 13 Marsabit locations amid ongoing clashes

Inspector General Douglas Kanja during a past event/FILE

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued an order prohibiting the possession of firearms in several parts of Marsabit County.

This follows the government’s extension of a declaration classifying the region as "security disturbed and dangerous."

The directive, issued under Section 106(2)(a) of the National Police Service Act, affects 13 localities within Hillo Division, which have been the focus of persistent insecurity and intercommunal violence.

"...the Inspector-General of National Police Service prohibits the possession of arms in the following parts of Marsabit County declared as security disturbed and dangerous by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration," the notice by Kanja dated July 11 reads in part.

The affected areas include Hillo Gorgora, Orofa, Walkite, Tanzania, Irress Abamartille, Gootu, Tessum Qalicha, Karray, Hudda, Qoranjido, Irress Shindia, Rabaalee, and Godde Haroressa.

Residents in these locations are required to surrender all firearms in their possession to the nearest police station, post, camp, or national government administration office during daylight hours. 

The IG assured that the arms will be returned to the rightful owners once the order is lifted.

"All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice," Kanja stated.

The order follows a parallel Gazette notice by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who extended the declaration of these areas as disturbed and dangerous for a further 30 days.

It took effect on July 11, 2025, at 6:30 pm.

Murkomen also pointed out that the order may be withdrawn or extended at any time.

"...it may at any time be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Gazette direct."

Murkomen's extension, made in consultation with the National Security Council, aims to facilitate enhanced security operations amid rising concerns over lawlessness and armed clashes in the region.

Kanja at the same time warned that any failure to comply with the directive will attract legal consequences as efforts intensifies to restore peace and stability in the volatile region.