KENYA: Ruto Leads Destruction Of 6,000 Illegal Guns, Vows Protection From Abusive Police

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

President William Ruto on Friday, led the destruction of over 6,000 illegal firearms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County, marking a major step in Kenya’s efforts to curb the spread of illicit weapons.

The event coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms, and served as a symbol of Kenya’s resolve to eliminate the threats posed by unregulated arms.

The destroyed weapons were collected between 2022 and 2025, mostly through voluntary public surrender initiatives and security-led recovery operations.

Ruto cautioned that illegal firearms, especially when held by criminals, endanger national stability and undermine the rule of law.

He stressed that public safety depends on ensuring such weapons do not circulate freely.

He also highlighted the need for countries in the region to work together in combating the arms trade, stating that insecurity in one nation often spills over into its neighbors.

He advocated for unified disarmament policies across East Africa.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security sector reforms, Ruto promised better working conditions for police officers, including upgraded housing and comprehensive insurance coverage.

At the same time, he warned that any officer found abusing their power would be removed from the force.

Calling on individuals still in possession of illegal firearms to hand them over, Ruto reiterated that such weapons increase personal risk rather than provide protection.

The firearm destruction event aligns with the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030” initiative. Ruto praised the Regional Centre for Small Arms for its two decades of work in coordinating regional arms control.

He concluded by assuring Kenyans that rogue officers within the police service will be dealt with firmly, and that the government remains committed to ensuring public safety through a professional and accountable law enforcement system.