President William Ruto has issued an unusual directive for disarmament in West Pokot County, urging residents to hand over illegal firearms to church bishops. He made the call during an interdenominational service in Chesombur, warning that non-compliance would lead to forceful seizures. This forms part of the government's efforts to curb violence fueled by guns in the region.
President William Ruto delivered the directive during an interdenominational service in Chesombur, West Pokot County, where he adopted a strong position against gun violence. "Everyone who has a gun, and you are not a police officer, and you have a gun with you, hurry up, bring the gun, give it to the Bishop," Ruto stated. He cautioned that, "If you do not do that, we will come and take that gun. And if we come and take that gun, you will regret it."
The announcement arrives amid ongoing insecurity in the area, where illegal firearms exacerbate cattle rustling and resource-driven conflicts. A history of inter-communal rivalries, economic difficulties, and deep-rooted cultural practices perpetuate cycles of violence. Cattle rustling, competition for water and pasture, and porous borders with neighboring conflict zones continue to spread small arms and light weapons.
In November 2025, a surge in border killings between West Pokot and Turkana County displaced hundreds of families from their homes. The government's "Operation Rudisha Bunduki" has seen progress, with more than 600 illegal firearms and thousands of ammunition rounds surrendered in late 2025.
Ruto stressed that guns have no role in civilian daily life. "There are people who pretend to herd cattle with guns. No cattle will be herded with guns. Find a stick," he remarked. Community peace-building initiatives, including sports events and cross-border development projects, aim to ease tensions. Joint Kenya-Uganda committees, such as the Karamoja Affairs delegation, persist in pursuing long-term conflict resolution.
The president's order indicates a fresh effort to restore peace and foster development in West Pokot.