On 13 June 2025, His Excellency Hon. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, accompanied by the CS interior, CS Public service, Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and PSs from ministries and representatives from RECSA member states presided over the destruction of over 6,000 illegal firearms in Ngong, Kajiado County.
This event is part of the government’s fight against the profileration of small arms and light weapons. The firearms destroyed were recovered between 2022 and 2025, with the majority voluntarily surrendered by members of the public through amnesty programmes and community disarmament campaigns. A significant number was also recovered through targeted security operations.
In his adress, President Ruto commended security agencies for their tireless efforts to keep the country safe through disarmament. He also commended the public who responded positively to amnesty programmes and community disarmament campaigns.
“I commend both our security agencies and responsible citizens, including religious and community leaders, whose civic-mindedness and patriotism have made this national milestone possible. Because of their efforts, our families, communities, and nation are safer,” he said.
The president also reaffirmed the governments firm commitment and focus to preserving the safety and security of all citizens through such disarmament programs noting that the East African Region remains awash with small arms which might cross the border and land in the wrong hands and used in violence and crime. He also urged responsibility and accountability for all goverment issued firearms in use by state agencies such as KDF and the National Police Service (NPS)
Kenya’s efforts to recover illicit arms align with the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030” initiative, spearheaded by Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA). The organisation seeks to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons through cooperation with member states.
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