A calm Sunday in Kalemengorok, Aroo, Turkana County, became fearful when Special Operations Group officers arrived in armored vehicles and summoned residents to an emergency meeting. Names of illegal weapon owners were read aloud, and a three-day deadline was set for surrendering arms. The action forms part of a larger North Rift security operation against banditry.
Last Sunday, residents of Kalemengorok in Aroo, Turkana County, experienced a typical day of church services, market trading, and household activities. This tranquility was suddenly disrupted when officers from the Special Operations Group (SOG) arrived in military vehicles and several Land Cruisers, their faces covered with balaclavas. They began patrolling the streets and urging all residents to attend an urgently convened emergency meeting.
Those who delayed or remained at the market claimed they were beaten and forced to comply. The operation is part of broader security efforts along the Turkana-West Pokot border, targeting bandits and illegal weapons. During the meeting, names of illegal arms owners—including politicians, government officials, influential community members, retired officers, and even deceased heroes—were read aloud, sparking fear and murmurs among the crowd.
Local elders were required to guide the team to criminals, and a three-day ultimatum was announced for surrendering weapons. “It was clear this was not an ordinary security operation. Anyone who refused to attend the meeting was beaten and forced to do so. Even those engaged in their activities were compelled to join, and people were told they had three days to surrender their weapons,” said James Kisike, a local resident.
Local leaders and police chiefs were expected to provide lists of illegal weapon owners. That afternoon, SOG officers searched homes, questioned residents, and collaborated with community leaders and reserve police, as the crackdown on bandits and arms holders intensified. Turkana County Police Commander John Tarus confirmed the operation but offered no further details.
This initiative ties into “Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift,” a joint effort by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Police Service that began in February 2023.