President Ruto leads destruction of over 6,000 illegal guns

President William Ruto, on Friday led a major event where more than 6,000 illegal firearms were destroyed.

This major event took place at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County.

This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to stop the spread of small arms and light weapons across the country.

During the event, President Ruto spoke strongly about the dangers of illegal firearms. He warned that when dangerous weapons end up in the wrong hands, they become a serious threat to everyone’s safety.

He explained that such weapons do more than just cause harm — they destroy peace, create fear, and damage the trust people have in law and order.

“A firearm in the wrong hands is not just a potent weapon; it is a direct assault on the safety of our citizens, the stability of our society, and the peace we have worked so diligently to build,” he said.

“In the hands of criminals, such a firearm enables lawlessness, escalates violence, and undermines the rule of law.”

The illegal firearms

The destroyed firearms were collected between 2022 and 2025. Many were handed over voluntarily by citizens through amnesty programs and community disarmament drives. Others were recovered by police during focused security operations.

President Ruto also talked about the importance of working with neighboring countries to deal with insecurity.

The head of state pointed out that fighting crime in one country also helps the entire East Africa region stay safer.

According to him, countries in the region must join forces, share strategies, and use a united approach to disarmament if they want to enjoy lasting peace.

At the same time, the President promised to continue improving the police service. He said the government will modernize police equipment and improve officers’ working conditions.

He further made it clear that police officers who abuse their power will not be allowed to stay in the service.

“We will make sure we professionalize the police service and eliminate police men and women who abuse the authority they have,” Ruto said.

He added that all police officers will receive full insurance coverage and proper housing support so they can serve the public effectively.

“We are ensuring every policeman and woman, as they discharge their noble duties of protecting, they are adequately covered by insurance and supported with a proper housing program,” he said.

Silencing the guns in Africa by 2030

The destruction of illegal firearms supports the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030″ goal.

Ruto also recognized the 20-year anniversary of the Regional Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons, which plays a key role in helping the region control and manage firearms.

However, he warned that many illegal guns still exist in Eastern Africa and that these weapons can easily cross borders and enter communities.

Because of this, he urged anyone still hiding illegal guns to hand them over to the authorities.

“An illegal firearm makes you less safe; it compromises your safety rather than securing it,” he warned.

Finally, the President reassured citizens that the government is working hard to protect them from rogue officers. He promised that those who misuse their authority will face serious consequences.