By Betty Luke
The ongoing security operation to flush out criminals behind the recent spate of attacks and recover illegal firearms that have been used to unleash terror, claiming several lives in Isiolo County, is slowly bearing fruits.
Already 23 illegal guns have been recovered and six suspects arrested in connection to the previous attacks that include cattle rustling incidents especially within Kambi Garba among other areas across the county.
While announcing the recovery of 18 guns and ammunitions on Monday, County Police Commander Isaac Sang, said more than 500 others remained in the wrong hands, asking members of the public to volunteer information to aid in their recovery and subsequent arrest of those holding them.
Half of the firearms have been surrendered voluntarily by members of the public while the rest recovered during the operation that kicked off on February 4, 2026 with police reports showing that many of them had been buried in the ground to prevent their traceability.
“We are gathering more information about the suspects and once investigations are completed, they will be arraigned and charged over illegal possession of firearms,” Sang told journalists at Isiolo Police station.
The police boss hailed local chiefs and members of the public for sharing crucial information about residents in possession of the illegal guns and where the firearms are hid.
“The government has enough machinery and officers to protect all the citizens. Having a gun does not bring peace- it creates conflicts,” he said, citing continued recruitment of National Police Reservists who ensure fast response to attacks, among the government’s efforts to protect residents and their properties.
The intelligence-led-security operation in parts of Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu counties seeking to nab criminals, recover illegal guns and stolen livestock while also maintaining law and order, was announced by the Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen on February 3.
The CS, who held top security meetings in Isiolo and Laikipia counties, also said that the government would expedite the expansion of network coverage and rehabilitation of security roads to open up interior parts of the affected counties.
“The supportive measures will contribute immensely to the success of the security operation,” he said.
He noted that the ongoing drought, in Northern Kenya and parts of North Rift region, was the biggest contributor to insecurity which has seen communities fight for water and pasture for their livestock, resulting in tens of deaths, destruction to properties and displacement of Kenyans from their ancestral homes.
