Kerio Valley Marks New Era of Peace as Government Pushes for Disarmament and Development

The Kerio Valley is turning a new page after years of insecurity, with residents and leaders celebrating the restoration of peace while the government intensifies efforts to disarm civilians and spur development in the region.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service in Chesombur, President William Ruto hailed the progress made in stabilising the once-volatile area, saying improved security had brought an end to killings, cattle rustling and disruptions to education.

“Kerio Valley faced many challenges—people were dying, livestock was being stolen, and children could not go to school,” President Ruto said. “Today, everything is different. We thank God for helping us restore peace.”

The President urged residents still holding illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily, warning that the government would take decisive action against those who failed to comply.

“No Kenyan has any business possessing a gun to look after their livestock,” he said. “Anyone in possession of an illegal firearm should surrender it voluntarily before we come for them.”

President Ruto commended the Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and security agencies for their role in pacifying the region, assuring them of his full backing in sustaining peace.

Interior CS Murkomen echoed the call for voluntary disarmament, urging locals to take advantage of the ongoing Rudisha Bunduki programme.

“We cannot achieve lasting peace while people still possess illegal firearms,” Murkomen said, adding that all weapons in the hands of unlicensed individuals must be surrendered.

Referring to a nickname he has received in the region, Murkomen said the government was scaling up security operations in parts of West Pokot, Turkana and other areas still facing insecurity.

“I’ve been nicknamed ‘John the Baptist’ here, and that baptism symbolises our intensified efforts to restore peace in the remaining hotspots,” he said.

Beyond security, President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to development, pledging affirmative action measures to unlock economic opportunities and transform lives in historically marginalised regions.

Later, the President led leaders in inspecting the ongoing construction of the Barpelo–Tot–Marich Pass Road, a key infrastructure project expected to connect Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana and Baringo counties and open up the region to expanded economic activity.