State targets firearm hotspots in Kuria amid rising insecurity

The government has launched an operation to map out areas with illegal firearms in Migori County, as part of efforts to tackle armed violence and illicit weapons proliferation.

Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua stated that before asking those in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them, the government first aimed to identify and map out affected regions to determine the next course of action. “There are a lot of firearms within the Kuria area,” said Mutua.

Following the mapping exercise, the government intends to urge illegal firearm holders to return the weapons voluntarily. Should they fail to do so, authorities will consider further measures.

Mutua identified Ntimaru and Kuria West sub-counties as the most severely affected areas. He noted that some individuals in Kuria West had taken advantage of the situation and were using the firearms to commit crimes.

The County Commissioner issued a stern warning to criminals terrorising residents in Kuria East and Kuria West, cautioning them against continued lawlessness.

His comments follow mounting concerns from local leaders and residents over persistent killings related to land disputes, cattle theft, and general insecurity.

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“We want the government to take action on the growing security threat we face in this region,” said Francis Mwita, a resident of Kuria West.

Just last month, a group of armed robbers caused havoc at a fuel station in Kuria West Sub-County, injuring two individuals with gunshots.

Mutua warned that the government would not tolerate acts of violent robbery committed by criminal gangs within the Kuria community.

He emphasised the importance of community involvement in policing through the Nyumba Kumi initiative, encouraging locals to help identify criminal elements among them.

The commissioner further warned criminals within the community against exploiting family ties across common borders to smuggle illegal weapons, which are then used to intimidate and harm innocent residents.

According to Mutua, illegal firearms are also being used to facilitate cattle thefts along the borders between the Kuria and Maasai/Kipsigis, as well as Kuria and Luo communities, thereby threatening peace and development in the region. 

“The security team in this area has previously recovered several illegal firearms, but we are aware that many more remain in the hands of criminals. We intend to recover them as soon as possible,” he added.

He also called for peaceful co-existence between the Kuria community and their neighbours in both Kenya and Tanzania who live along the borders.