A Clear Statement Against Armed Crime

President William Ruto on Friday led the destruction of more than 6,000 illegal firearms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County. This dramatic action was intended to send a firm message: Kenya is clamping down on the circulation of illicit weapons that threaten the country’s peace and public safety.

These weapons, collected from 2022 to 2025, were either voluntarily surrendered under government amnesty programs or confiscated through targeted police operations. The ceremony underscored a national commitment to removing tools of violence from communities and restoring trust in law enforcement.

Ruto Warns Against Arms in Criminal Hands

Speaking at the event, President Ruto stated that illegal firearms in civilian possession present a serious challenge to national security. In his words, a weapon held by an untrained, unlawful individual is a direct risk to every citizen, the legal order, and the progress Kenya has made in stabilizing its regions. These guns, he said, empower criminal gangs, fuel conflicts, and destabilize communities.

Regional Unity Needed to Combat Cross-Border Arms Flow

The President further pointed out that arms smuggling is not a problem Kenya can solve alone. He urged countries across East Africa to work together in harmonizing disarmament policies, arguing that a coordinated regional approach is the only sustainable path to lasting peace. He referenced the African Union’s goal of “Silencing the Guns by 2030,” reaffirming Kenya’s dedication to that continental objective.

Reforming the Police While Securing the Public

In addition to tackling illegal weapons, Ruto emphasized ongoing reforms within the police service. He promised that every officer would be provided with proper housing and insurance to improve their welfare. However, he also made it clear that officers who misuse their authority would be held accountable and removed from service.

This dual approach—empowering police officers while demanding high standards—signals a government focused on both capability and integrity in law enforcement.

Citizens Urged to Surrender Illegal Weapons

President Ruto wrapped up his address with a call to action, urging all Kenyans still holding illegal firearms to hand them in through official channels. He warned that these weapons do not guarantee safety, but instead increase personal risk and community insecurity. The government, he assured, will continue to accept voluntary surrenders and support peaceful disarmament.

This firearms destruction exercise stands not just as a one-time gesture, but as part of a larger campaign to clean up the country’s streets, restore law and order, and ensure that safety is not a privilege—but a right for all.