Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Kenyan President Sets Fire to More Than 5 000 Illegal Guns
10 June 2021
Independent Online (IOL)
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday set alight more than 5 000 illegal firearms in a gesture to highlight the importance of peaceful resolutions to conflict.
Kenyatta set fire to 5144 illegal firearms, in addition to out-of-date state-owned guns, at the Regional Traffic Police Training Centre located in Ngong, west of the capital Nairobi, State House Kenya reported.
"A peaceful Kenya, a united Kenya is for the good of all of us. And that can only be achieved... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Burns Over 5,000 Illegal Firearms to Curb Crime
10 June 2021
AfricaNews
The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday presided over the burning of 5,144 illegal firearms and obsolete state-owned small arms and light weapons at the Regional Traffic Police Training Centre in Ngong, Kajiado County.
He further called on those making homemade guns to join the newly built government facility that produces guns.
"This is to those making illegal guns, come we make legal money and jobs. Come forward and declare you can make a gun and you will... (GunPolicy.org)
5,250 Illegal Firearms Destroyed in Kenya [FR]
15 November 2016
Africa News
[Translated summary: Kenya has burned 5,250 firearms as part of a campaign to fight poaching and robberies and to eliminate terrorism. The destroyed firearms were seized in police operations or recovered in disarmament exercises. Citizens have also been urged to register their firearms.]
Le vice-président kenyan, William Ruto, a incité ce mardi les autorités à brûler 5.250 armes légères.
Ceci s'inscrit dans le cadre des efforts déployés pour lutter contre... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Destroys 5,250 Seized Guns to Slow Armed Violence
15 November 2016
Washington Post, Associated Press
NAIROBI — Kenya's deputy president on Tuesday set ablaze more than 5,250 firearms seized by authorities to discourage the circulation of illegal weapons in a country battling extremist violence.
Deputy President William Ruto presided over the burning of rifles and pistols in three stacks about 15 feet high. They were recovered in this East African country over the past nine years, Ruto said.
Most of the firearms were collected through voluntary surrender, others... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 1,200 People Allegedly Shot Dead by Police in Kenya
28 October 2016
al Jazeera
Kenyan police have been accused of more than 1,200 shooting deaths over the past five years amid calls for the government to investigate extrajudicial killings and disappearances.
Only one police officer in Kenya has been successfully prosecuted and imprisoned for an unlawful killing in the last three years, according to the local group Independent Medico-Legal Unit, which monitors police violence.
New York-based Human Rights Watch has also highlighted at least 34... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Kill 140+ in 2015: Other Countries Patrol Unarmed
2 October 2016
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Report
When it comes to killings, Kenya police has few equals: They kill more people in days than other countries do in years, a Nation Newsplex analysis reveals.
Studies around the world have linked the number and rate of police killings to factors such as whether police are armed all the time, gun ownership rates, adherence to police guidelines firearms use, quality of training offered to police recruits and poverty levels.
With a police killing rate of 3.2 per million... (GunPolicy.org)
Rwanda,Kenya,Tanzania,Burundi,Uganda
Armed Violence and Illegal Guns in East Africa - Recent Study
26 July 2016
New Times (Rwanda)
East African Community (EAC) member countries are meeting in Kigali for a validation workshop on the study by the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) on the status of armed crimes in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
The report dubbed 'Analysis of Armed Crime Rates' released yesterday, in Kigali was conducted between 2010 and March 2016 with the support of African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to the report, Rwanda registered 421 cases related to... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Ongoing Registration of Illegal Guns Reaches 29
18 July 2016
Hivisasa (Kenya)
The ongoing registration of illegally acquired firearms has received a major boost after six herders from Garissa County surrendered their unlicensed rifles to the government for registration by the relevant county security teams.
According to Garbatula police boss, Kioko Nyamai, the move is expected to expansively trigger a popular desire by other pastoralist groups to register their firearms and further dispel the fears of being disarmed or victimised.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Ethiopia,Kenya,Burundi,Tanzania,Rwanda,Uganda
Kenya's Private Gun Ownership the Largest in East Africa
11 July 2016
East African (Nairobi)
Kenya has the largest number of guns in civilian hands in eastern Africa amid rising gun attacks while Rwanda has the least, a global survey shows.
Data from Sidney-based GunPolicy.org, a website backed by the United Nations, puts the estimated number of guns possessed by Kenyan civilians at about 680,000, comprising licit and illicit firearms.
Tanzania has 550,000 guns in private hands, Uganda (400,000), Ethiopia (320,000), Burundi (100,000) and 58,000 for... (GunPolicy.org)
Assault Rifles Being Handed in for Registration in Kenya
16 May 2016
Citizen (Kenya)
Residents of Isiolo County continue to take advantage of a government amnesty on the surrender of illegal arms.
Led by area MCA and Isiolo County Assembly Majority Leader Adan Giro, the residents have surrendered a total of nine firearms and hundreds of bullets to the government.
The residents from Kinna ward presented three AK-47 rifles, one M16 rifle, and 302 rounds of ammunition for registration by the sub county security team at Kinna Social Hall in... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Herders Surrender Illegal Guns for Registration
27 April 2016
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Three more herders in Isiolo have surrendered, for registration, firearms they were possessing illegally.
This comes just two weeks after Ngarema Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Losu registered his G3 rifle.
Two G3 rifles, an AK-47 rifle, five magazines and 66 rounds of ammunition belonging to herders from West Location were presented to the county security team Wednesday.
The herders presented their guns to Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya.
Mr... (GunPolicy.org)
Currently There Are 6500 Licensed Gun Owners in Kenya
8 April 2016
Citizen Digital (Kenya)
The High Court sitting in Nairobi has extended orders barring the government from withdrawing Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho's security and firearms.
The court before Judge George Odunga further directed that documents be served to respective parties and responses be effected pending hearing of the matter on the 16th of June 2016.
The Firearms Licensing Board, Interior Cabinet Secretary Major Gen. (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery, Chief Licensing Officer and Inspector... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Botswana,Algeria,Libya,South Africa,Kenya,Rwanda,Djibouti
7 African Nations More Effective at Gun Control than the US
11 January 2016
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg)
In a BBC interview last July, US President Barack Obama admitted that failure to pass "common sense gun safety laws" in the US has been the greatest frustration of his presidency.
Since he took office in 2008, there have been repeated mass shootings including the 2011 Tucson Arizona shooting in which Gabrielle Giffords, then a member of Congress and 18 others were shot in a supermarket parking lot. Six people died that day.
Another shooting was at Emanuel African... (GunPolicy.org)
European Union,Kenya,Tanzania,Africa,Congo (DRC),Somalia
African Experts Seek Ways to Curb Proliferation of Small Arms
13 May 2014
Shanghai Daily (China)
NAIROBI - Experts from across Africa will meet in Nairobi on Wednesday to seek ways to help address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the continent, ravaged by many conflicts.
A statement from the Nairobi-based Regional Centre for Small Arms (RCSA) said Tuesday the 3rd meeting of the AU-Regions steering committee on small arms and light weapons and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration will seek ways of combating cross border flows illicit... (GunPolicy.org)
Tanzania Police Seize Guns in Operation to Recover Illegal Firearms
9 May 2014
Tanzania Daily News
The influx of illegal firearms in Mara Region is alarming and the police force is now planning a house to house operation aimed at recovering all guns from hands of criminals.
A total of seven illegal firearms most of them submachine guns (SMG) and more than 420 bullets have been seized by the police in Mara Region since the beginning of this year.
"Since January to April 30 this year we have impounded seven guns and four of them are SMGs, two pistols and a shotgun,"... (GunPolicy.org)
70 Percent of Kenya Govt Firearms Marked
29 April 2014
Capital FM (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Interior Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo says 70 percent of all firearms owned by the State have been marked as the government takes an inventory of all issued weapons.
The process was done after acquisition of eight firearm marking machines from the National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Iringo says the exercise is meant to enhance accountability in the management of the national firearms stock pile for easy identification of the origin of... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Authorities Issue Gun Amnesty Ultimatum to Criminals
27 March 2014
Capital FM
NAIROBI — Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa has issued a one week amnesty to criminal gangs to surrender or face the full force of the law.
Marwa stated that those in possession of illegal firearms should surrender them before the expiry of the amnesty.
Speaking after a meeting with Muslim leaders, Marwa said the recent incidents of security are scaring away potential investors.
"All criminals in this county who are harbouring illegal weapons should... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearms Licensing Shut Down Temporarily in Kenya, Law Reforms Planned
21 March 2014
Standard (Nairobi)
NAIROBI, Kenya - The Chief Firearms Licensing office in Nairobi has been closed on a temporary basis.
Police seconded to the bureau were told to take leave until further notice.
The move came even as Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and his deputy Grace Kaindi named Boniface Maingi as the new head of firearms licensing section.
The Chief Firearms Licensing officer Francis Wanjohi was moved to police headquarters amid protest from firearms dealers.
Mr... (GunPolicy.org)
Two Students Arrested in Kenya After Handgun Found in Schoolbag
1 March 2014
Standard (Nairobi)
Kajiado, Kenya - Police are holding two school boys after a gun was allegedly recovered inside a schoolbag belonging to one of the boys.
The two Form Four students at Ololua Secondary School were arrested on Friday by police after a teacher discovered the firearm inside the student's school bag.
According to Ngong Police boss Farah Mohamed, one of the boys arrived at the school late and was questioned by his teacher.
The teacher who realised the student was a... (GunPolicy.org)
Yes, It's This Easy to Buy a Firearm in Kenya Slums
14 February 2014
Standard (Nairobi)
The increasing rate of crime in the country has been blamed on the high number of unlicenced guns held by civilians. Cases of robberies, carjackings and thefts in a number of towns are a common feature in the news. Most of the weapons used to commit these crimes are small arms, which are easy to buy and stash away from public glare and knowledge of the authorities. But does the government know just how easy — but dangerous — it is to acquire a gun? In the slums of... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan Cop Shot, Gun Stolen After Weapon Seized From Gang
10 February 2014
Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)
A traffic police officer was Monday morning shot and wounded in the head before he was robbed of his AK-47 rifle by gunmen on a motorbike in Kombani, Kwale County.
Police suspect the attackers were followers of Somalia's Al-Shabaab gang. Another female officer was slightly injured after she was wrestled by the gunmen who escaped after the incident along the Lunga Lunga highway.
Area police boss Richard Muguai said police have launched investigation and a hunt to... (GunPolicy.org)
Somali Man Arrested for Smuggling Illegal Handguns in Kenya
31 January 2014
Nairobian (Kenya)
A man was arrested in Lunga Lunga for smuggling illegal weapons.
Abdillahi Edin Adano was seized with two pistols and 20 rounds of ammunition that he intended to sell.
Police laid a trap after getting tips from the public that the suspect had landed in Eastleigh with the cache. The seized man allegedly planned to sell the guns in Lunga Lunga.
Last year, six firearms and several rounds of ammunitions were recovered from the same slums where four suspects were... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Officials Admit Civilians 'Not Vetted Before Getting Guns'
9 January 2014
Standard (Nairobi)
The Chief Firearms Licensing Officer in the police force, Francis Mwangi Wanjohi has revealed there is no thorough vetting done before guns are issued to civilians.
Wanjohi blamed the situation on the coming in of the new Constitution and admitted a number of applicants had been given licences to own guns before being vetted as required by law. He said unlike in the past when applicants used to be vetted through a rigorous process, the situation changed with the... (GunPolicy.org)
Tanzania,Congo (DRC),Somalia,Mozambique,Kenya
Assault Weapons From Mozambique Used by Tanzanian Poachers
30 December 2013
Independent (UK)
The wildest sound on the savannah is not the lion's roar, but the elephant's trumpet. When he senses a lurking poacher, the elephant screams, loud and shrill, to alert the herd and scare his enemy.
The poacher, standing only a few feet away takes aim and fires. The elephant screams again, before he collapses in a heap. One bullet will rarely kill an adult elephant, and it takes many minutes before the life drains away.
Military weapons such as AK-47s are increasingly... (GunPolicy.org)
Goat Market in Kenya Becomes 'Supermarket' of Illegal Guns
8 December 2013
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
On November 14, officers from the Special Crimes Prevention Unit (SPRU), acting on a tip-off, trailed a white saloon car on suspicion that its occupants were planning to rob a bank.
After a dramatic chase, the officers challenged its occupants to stop at Kiamaiko.
The officers ransacked the car and found an arsenal of weapons among them AK-47s, pistols, ammunition, police uniform and walkie-talkies. One of the four suspects arrested was a former administration police... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Targets Rising Gun Crime Involving Security Forces
26 November 2013
Sabahi (Washington DC)
NAIROBI — Embarrassed by a slew of recent high-profile crimes involving Kenyan security forces, the government is mulling ways to better monitor current and former members of the police and military to combat this growing and alarming trend.
"The police will not allow these waves of crime to continue," Nairobi County Police Chief Benson Kibue told Sabahi. "We will continue to fight against organised crime by ex-policemen and military officers without fear or favour,... (GunPolicy.org)
South Sudan,Somalia,Burundi,Liberia,Ghana,United States,Europe,Zimbabwe,Uganda,Tanzania,Sudan,Nigeria,Namibia,Kenya,Ethiopia,Africa
How Disarmament in Africa Got More Complicated
5 November 2013
IPI Global Observatory
Africa is ground zero in the international debate on controlling the small arms and light weapons trade. For more than a decade, diplomatic activity to contain arms and ammunition transfers has been animated by a concern with instability and contagion generated by the continent's many wars. Leading think tanks, research groups, and advocacy organizations have repeatedly drawn attention to the way the burden of armed violence in Africa is a product of low-tech assault... (GunPolicy.org)
Some Kenyan Preachers Call for Govt to Issue Them With Guns
30 October 2013
Star (Kenya)
Kenyans [are] divided over calls by Mombasa preachers to be issued with guns to guard themselves and their flock. Calls by pastors in Mombasa to have them armed with AK47 rifles continue to attract mixed reactions across the country.
Sheikh Juma Ngao, who is the Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council chairman, said it is a good idea to arm clerics. He however said not all clerics should be armed as some clerics are criminals hiding behind religion.
"Not all clerics... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,Somalia,Colombia,Kenya,United States
Interpol Chief Suggests Armed Citizenry to Counter Terrorism
21 October 2013
ABC News (USA)
Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble said today the U.S. and the rest of the democratic world is at a security crossroads in the wake of last month's deadly al-Shabab attack at a shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya – and suggested an answer could be in arming civilians.
In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Noble said there are really only two choices for protecting open societies from attacks like the one on Westgate mall where so-called "soft targets" are hit:... (GunPolicy.org)
Peace Activists Seek to Curb Proliferation of Illicit Firearms in Kenya
19 October 2013
Coast Week (Kenya)
NAKURU, Kenya - Recurrent attacks in some parts of Kenya especially in the northern and coastal regions have caused major security shake-ups in the East African nation with the government reinforcing security in the affected areas.
During the attacks, people have died, livestock - which to some is the main source of livelihood, have been killed or stolen and property worth of millions of shillings lost.
Due to fear, some members of the local communities have moved... (GunPolicy.org)
Drug Abuse, Illicit Guns Threaten Security, Youths in Kenya
17 October 2013
Xinhua
KITALE, Kenya - Kenya has deployed three special security units to crackdown on increased use of drugs and illicit guns threatening security and spoiling unemployed youths in counties in northwest Kenya.
The move followed concerns from tribal leaders over the widespread drug abuse and existence of illegal guns fueling crime and deteriorating security.
Trans-Nzoia County Police Commander Lillian Okembo said on Wednesday that security forces have been posted to the... (GunPolicy.org)
Worker Shocked After Finding Three Assault Weapons at Kenya Golf Club
9 October 2013
Standard (Nairobi)
NAIROBI, Kenya - A worker was shocked when he discovered three AK 47 rifles and more than 80 bullets hidden in a bush near a popular golf club in Nairobi's Karen area.
The rifles with 87 bullets were discovered on Tuesday evening by a worker at the golf club hidden in the bush while covered with clothes and a bag.
Police say they are yet to know the owners of the luggage believed to have hidden them there after using them in unknown incident.
Langata head of CID... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan Police Start Illegal Gun Recovery Campaign in Refugee Camp
13 September 2013
Xinhua
GARISSA, Kenya - Kenyan authorities have started up recovery of illegal small arms and light weapons which have been fuelling the insecurity in northern Kenya, with the latest seizure of a gun and 48 bullets in Dadaab refugee camp on Thursday.
Regional Criminal Investigations (CID) Commander Musa Yego said the weapons were found in the world's largest refugee settlement in a search conducted by local police. A suspect was arrested in the process.
"We will not relent... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Out to Stop Guns From Uganda
4 September 2013
Star (Kenya)
Police in Bungoma have moved to curb the influx of illegal firearms from the neigbouring Uganda. Speaking to the Star yesterday, county commissioner Mohamed Maalim said the firearms from the Uganda are the main cause of insecurity in the [county].
"We have instituted measures that will ensure thorough checks at our border points of Malaba and Lwakhakha to ensure that firearms are not sneaked from Uganda,"he said.
Guns are easily available in Uganda with security... (GunPolicy.org)
Thousands of Guns Create Insecurity, Kenyan MPs Support Disarmament
23 July 2013
Star (Kenya)
MPs from Pokot and Turkana counties want communities in the region to surrender illegal arms in order to help end insecurity in the region.
The legislators say the more than 50,000 small arms held by herders in the region have been a major source of insecurity and killings of innocent people during cattle rustling attacks, a practice which the 14 MPs have resolved to eradicate. They made the declaration at a meeting in Eldoret yesterday.
"We are now united as leaders... (GunPolicy.org)
Syria,Sudan,South Africa,Kenya
South Africa: Gun Dealer Sold Arms to Conflict Zones
20 July 2013
Independent/IOL Daily News (South Africa) / Saturday Star
JOHANNESBURG - A director of a Joburg gun shop was allegedly involved in importing military weapons for "special forces" and then selling them to countries in conflict.
This emerged in a state affidavit placed before the Lenasia Magistrate's Court on Friday.
In the bail application of Gareth De Nysschen, a director at Dave Sheer Guns, the State indicated that the business had been investigated by military intelligence for two years.
De Nysschen was arrested last week... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Independent/IOL Daily News (South Africa) / Saturday Star
Kenyans Refuse to Surrender Guns in Amnesty Campaign
4 July 2013
Star (Kenya)
Tana Delta residents are yet to surrender illegal firearms since the government issued an amnesty last year. Authorities said no one has voluntarily surrendered any weapon including those stolen from police officers killed in Kilelengwani.
Area Deputy County Commissioner Mike Kimoko said they have begun negotiations with the locals to enlighten them on the danger of having the firearms in wrong hands.
Kimoko said in a telephone interview that they were optimistic of... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Considers New Gun Control Measures After Fatal Crime Shootout
21 June 2013
Global Times (China)
Kenyan police on Thursday night killed 9 gangsters and recovered five firearms, three vehicles and mobile phones after a fierce shootout at residential estate in Nairobi.
Regional police commander Benson Kibui said they had received a tip off from members of the public and dispatched police officers from the Special Crime Prevention Unit who trailed the gangsters and eventually shot them dead at Mwiki estate.
"We killed nine robbers on Thursday evening and recovered... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police say Crime Guns from Uganda
13 June 2013
Star (Kenya)
KITALE - Kitale deputy police boss Duncan Nguthu has said two guns and 150 rounds of ammunition recovered from three criminal suspects killed at Kiminini recently came from Uganda.
Addressing mourners at Kamukuywa during the burial ceremony of a security officer, Nguthu said the equipment had not been used.
Last week, three suspected criminals were lynched and their bodies burnt beyond recognition by the public. Nguthu asked leaders and chiefs to revive community... (GunPolicy.org)
40 Guns Still Missing After Mass Killings in Kenya
30 May 2013
Standard (Nairobi)
KENYA - Six months after the massacre of 42 policemen in Samburu in an ambush by cattle rustlers, security agents are yet to recover 40 firearms stolen from the deceased.
Not a single firearm has been surrendered following an amnesty issued by Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo months ago to residents in possession of illegal weapons and those stolen during the ambush.
The Standard has established that bandits are roaming the area freely and eight cattle... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Authorities Plan Crackdown on Illegal Guns
10 May 2013
Star (Kenya)
Western PC James Serian has said the regional security team is profiling people with illegal arms. "There are illegal firearms in Western particularly in Mt Elgon, Malaba, Teso, Busia, along the Kenya and even Kakamega. Currently we are profiling all persons we suspect have fire arms," said Serian.
He said the provincial security team will start an operation to recover all guns in wrong hands in the area. Serian said the porous Kenya-Uganda border could be blamed for... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Deny Allegations Guns Being Issued to Unlicensed People
9 May 2013
Star (Kenya)
MOMBASA - An assistant police commissioner has denied claims that firearms are being issue to unvetted people. Central Firearms Bureau chief licensing officer David Baya said firearms are only issued to civilians after going through a series of thorough interrogations by security officers at different levels.
A civilian who owned a licensed gun told media houses that there is a broker in Mombasa behind the deals. He said the broker cuts deals between senior security... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyans Worried Over Use of Pistols, Homemade Guns as Crimes Rise
17 April 2013
Capital FM (Nairobi)
NAIROBI, Kenya – A survey conducted recently has revealed an alarming level of armed robberies and other violent crimes in Nairobi.
According to the study by Security Research and Information Centre, 41 percent of crimes reported are violent robberies and residents in all parts of the city are prone to such attacks.
Inspector General David Kimaiyo welcomed the Nairobi Regional Annual Crime Observatory Report, saying it will help in facilitating stakeholders to... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Order an Audit of Gun Licences
30 March 2013
Star (Kenya)
Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo has asked for a full list of all licensed firearms across the country as police launch an audit of guns and ammunition.
The police chief has asked for the audit from the Chief Firearms Licensing Officer who keeps records of all arms. Kimaiyo yesterday said he had called for the routine audit to establish how many guns are in private hands and those in custody of security agents, including those being used by police reservists... (GunPolicy.org)
Iran,Syria,United Kingdom,Kenya,North Korea
Iran, N. Korea, Syria Block Arms Trade Treaty at Last Minute
29 March 2013
Australian (Sydney)
Iran, North Korea and Syria have held up agreement on the first global treaty on the $US80 billion ($A76.97 billion) a year conventional arms trade.
The three states twice blocked moves to adopt a treaty by consensus at the end of 10 days of arduous talks at the UN headquarters.
Kenya announced that a coalition of countries from around the world would now take the treaty straight to the 193-member UN General Assembly next week for approval. It can be passed with a two... (GunPolicy.org)
Drunk Kenyan Cop Threatens Citizens with Gun
26 March 2013
Star (Kenya)
A police officer who was allegedly harassing members of the public in Siakago town last weekend by cocking his gun and threatening to shoot them is facing disciplinary measures.
Reliable sources told the star that the officer who was armed with an AK47 rifle was guarding the Cooperative Bank in Siakago town when he began harassing members of public.
The sources said he would now and then sneak into a nearby bar and drink beer before going back to his station.... (GunPolicy.org)
Europe,China,Asia,Americas,Oceania,Kenya,Cuba,Côte d'Ivoire,Africa,Central America,Russia,United States
Women Explain Why an Arms Trade Treaty Can Save Many Lives
7 March 2013
Amnesty International (London), Media release
It is estimated at least half a million people are killed with guns every year and on average a further 200,000 men, women and children die as an indirect result of armed conflicts and violence that are frequently fuelled by the uncontrolled flow of small arms.
And for every person that is killed in an armed conflict, many more are injured and tortured, raped, abused, forcibly disappeared, taken hostage or displaced. Even more have their access to food, water, shelter,... (GunPolicy.org)
China,Africa,Côte d'Ivoire,Somalia,Angola,South Africa,Sudan,Zimbabwe,Kenya
Unknown Quantities of Chinese Arms in Africa a Concern
21 February 2013
Star (Kenya), Opinion
Much is being written and said in the media and academic circles about China's increasing engagement with Africa on many economic and other fronts.
Some see this as benefiting Africa; others as detrimental to the real needs of African countries and peoples. Some critics have used phrases like "the second scramble for Africa" and "re-colonization of Africa" to describe the new development. The debate goes on.
Yet, there is one subject that has not received the serious... (GunPolicy.org)
Critics Worried About Failing Disarmament Efforts in Kenya
6 February 2013
Capital FM (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — With less than a month to go until Kenya's general election, analysts are warning that widespread illegal gun ownership presents real risks to security. Government efforts to disarm the population have been ineffective, they say.
The warnings come after a series of violent incidents, particularly between pastoral and farming communities fighting over water, grazing rights and other resources.
Clashes between the Orma and Pokomo groups in the Tana Delta... (GunPolicy.org)
Political Aides in Kenya Accused of Misusing Guns
31 January 2013
Star (Kenya)
Detectives are investigating alleged threats and misuse of firearms by aides to some politicians in Mombasa County.
Coast provincial police boss Aggrey Adoli said his office had received complaints over misuse of arms which had caused a major security threat during campaigns.
"We want to establish if the bodyguards who have been brandishing pistols and shooting in the air in public places have genuine license to carry the firearms," said Adoli.
A senior police... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa,East Africa,Kenya,Uganda,Rwanda,Tanzania,Burundi
East Africa Civil Society Calls for Tougher Laws to Curb Illegal Gun Trade
27 January 2013
New Vision (Kampala)
The East Africa Action Network on small arms (EAANSA) has called for tougher laws and increased vigilance among member states of the East African community (EAC) to curb illegal movement of small arms and light weapons.
According to the executive secretary EAANSA, Richard Mugisha, considering that the dynamics and movement of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) transcend the political boarders that divide state parties within East Africa, there is need for increased... (GunPolicy.org)
Czech Republic,Hungary,Côte d'Ivoire,Iran,Guinea,Niger,Russia,South Sudan,China,Uganda,Afghanistan,Nigeria,Kenya,Iraq,Congo (DRC)
Trail of Bullet Casings Leads from Africa's Wars Back to Iran
11 January 2013
New York Times
The first clues appeared in Kenya, Uganda and what is now South Sudan. A British arms researcher surveying ammunition used by government forces and civilian militias in 2006 found Kalashnikov rifle cartridges he had not seen before. The ammunition bore no factory code, suggesting that its manufacturer hoped to avoid detection.
Within two years other researchers were finding identical cartridges circulating through the ethnic violence in Darfur. Similar ammunition then... (GunPolicy.org)
Somalia,United States,Ethiopia,Yemen,Libya,Israel,European Union,East Africa,Kenya,Ukraine,Russia
Special Investigation: Lack of Gun Treaty Fuels Kenyan Smuggling Trade
9 January 2013
Star (Kenya)
Whether looking after his herd of cattle or taking them to the watering point, Boru hardly leaves his AK47 behind. He lives in the outskirts of Gambella village, a few kilometres from Isiolo town.
"It has become like a stick for me. I carry it around and my enemies fear me. It gives me more power than I had before I acquired it," Boru said.
Taking cover from the scorching sun under the shade of an old acacia tree, Boru, a father of three, told the Star he bought his... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,Ethiopia,Kenya,South Sudan,Somalia,East Africa,Tanzania
Special Investigation: How Smugglers are Flooding Kenya with Guns
8 January 2013
Star (Kenya), Series
There are estimated 530,000-680,000 firearms in the wrong hands in Kenya. The number of illegal arms has grown over the years and is said to fuel the conflicts witnessed within Kenya and the region.
In an investigation that took close to a year, our correspondent Kassim Mohamed tracked down some of the people who smuggle small arms and light weapons into Kenya and unveils a dangerous trend that can affect the current peace if nothing is done by not just the Kenyan... (GunPolicy.org)
200,000 Kenyan Households Possess Illegal Firearms
14 December 2012
Star (Kenya)
Between 170 Thousand and 200 thousand household have illegal firearms due to porous borders. Internal security assistant Minister Alfred Khangati says the government is at the moment carrying out a disarmament program. Khangati says a policy on small arms has been drawn and awaits cabinet... (GunPolicy.org)
Separatists Attempt to Steal Guns from Police Before Kenya Election
10 December 2012
Reuters
Sixty men armed with machetes, clubs and bows and arrows tried and failed to steal guns from a police station in Mombasa, in the biggest attack planned by separatists seeking independence for Kenya's Indian Ocean coastal strip, police said on Monday.
Police intercepted the men on their way to the station. They said they belonged to the secessionist Mombasa Republic Council (MRC), an accusation rejected by its leaders, and that three separatists were later killed in a... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Officer Shoots Wife, Kills Daughter and Self
29 October 2012
Capital FM (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — A police officer shot and killed his 23-year-old daughter in Kakamega and wounded his wife before killing himself on Monday morning.
The officer had just collected his AK 47 rifle from the armoury at 7.30am in readiness to go supervise the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations when he suddenly went back to his house and found his daughter in the kitchen preparing breakfast.
"As soon as he collected the rifle, he was supposed... (GunPolicy.org)
Man Arrested in Kenya Over Alleged Illegal Gun Possession
26 October 2012
Star (Kenya)
A man who was arrested in Laikipia for ferrying firearms was yesterday arraigned before a Nyahururu court.
Lucas Lolodepe denied the charges of illegal possession of firearms.
Appearing before Nyahururu principal magistrate William Chepseba, he denied eight counts of holding various types of guns.
According to the charge sheet, they included six AK 47 rifles, two G3 and seven Russian made carrabine guns. He was also arrested with five rounds of ammunition and working... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Authorities Offer Gun Amnesty After Deadly Clashes
23 October 2012
Star (Kenya)
The Government has issued amnesty to all those who would surrender firearms voluntarily in the Tanadelta district which experienced deadly clashes in the past two months.
Authorities said all those who would surrender firearms voluntarily shall not be prosecuted and instead will be given certificates of commendation for returning the illegal firearms.
However those who will defy the orders shall be liable for prosecution and face the full force of the law as more than... (GunPolicy.org)
Somalia,Congo (DRC),Kenya,South Sudan,Sudan,Uganda,East Africa
East Africa States to Work Together to Reduce Gun Trafficking
16 October 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
Directors of Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Directorates (CIID) in the East African region on Monday resolved to support Somalia to neutralise gun trafficking across the region.
The directors said arms traffickers were taking advantage of Somalia's instability and location next to the sea.
The Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said Somalia, which is now a reconstructed state, is ready to halt and thrash all culprits in gun trafficking... (GunPolicy.org)
Second Security Official Gunned Down in Kenya
15 October 2012
Garowe Online (Somalia)
DADAAB, Kenya — Gunmen killed an official of the Dadaab security committee in broad daylight on Monday, Garowe Online reports.
According to sources, four gunmen in the IFO camp part of the massive Dadaab refugee camp killed Mahad Said Duaseyne on Monday, a high-ranking member of the camps security committee.
The gunmen fled the scene after the shooting and authorities are currently investigating the killing.
According to witnesses, Mr. Duaseyne was shot repeatedly... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Seize AK-47 Rifles, Ammo from Bus
6 October 2012
Star (Kenya)
Anti-terrorism police officers yesterday seized two AK-47 rifles, 60 rounds of ammunition and three AK-47 magazines in a bus at Mokowe in Lamu.
The Mombasa bound bus belonging to Najah Company was intercepted after intelligence reports indicated that it was smuggling the firearms.
Coast provincial police boss Aggrey Adoli said the seizure is a major breakthrough on the war against terror.
Ten suspects including the driver of the bus, conductor and passengers are... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Accused of 'Brutality' During Gun Disarmament Campaign
25 September 2012
Star (Kenya), Opinion
Security agencies are conducting a disarmament exercise in Tana River that is necessary to flush out guns illegally held by locals.
It is highly likely that these firearms were used in the recent spate of violence that left more than 110 people dead and thousands displaced. While most of the deaths were from what police describes as crude weapons including pangas and clubs, a few gunshot wounds were reported. Guns could have also been used to subdue the victims before... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Order Community to Give Up Guns After Deaths
18 August 2012
Star (Kenya)
The government yesterday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the warring pastoralists and farmers in Tana River to surrender all illegal firearms before they are forcibly disarmed. Coast PC Samuel Kilele issued the order after a more than four-hour meeting leaders in Garsen. The meeting was attended by senior provincial security chiefs including police boss Aggrey Adoli, area MP Danson Mungatana and leaders from the two communities.
Kilele said he was aware that there were... (GunPolicy.org)
Proposed New Law Would Give Kenyan Spies Power to Carry, Use Guns
2 August 2012
Star (Kenya)
Spy agents will soon have powers to carry and use firearms in an attempt to deal with increasing security threats. The National Intelligence Service Bill 2012 which is now before Parliament also gives the agency's Director General, "in the event of extreme emergency" unfettered access to any place, seize any property including information and document [sic] and restrain suspects from escaping.
There is however a caveat that the DG shall "as soon as practically... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,East Africa,Syria,Uganda
Stemming Gun Violence in Uganda
28 July 2012
Independent (Kampala)
United Nations diplomats from over 190 countries, including Uganda, are at the organisation's headquarters in New York discussing a pact to regulate the global arms trade.
The Global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) would especially check the illicit trade in arms in a global arms industry that, while amounting to US$60 billion, remains unregulated. Advocates for the treaty say this lack of regulation of the arms industry is catastrophic, as it fuels conflicts that claim... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,Somalia,Ethiopia,Uganda,South Sudan
Rising Tide of Small Arms in Kenya
3 July 2012
IRIN (UN News)
DADAAB/ISIOLO — A spate of "terror" attacks, aid worker kidnappings and heightened ethnic conflict in northern Kenya have fuelled demand for small arms by civilians and criminals, say security officials.
On 2 July, four foreign aid workers - all employees of NGO Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) - were rescued inside Somalia and returned to Kenya after being kidnapped in eastern Kenya's Dadaab refugee settlement; their driver was killed during the kidnap. In October... (GunPolicy.org)
Oxfam Commend Africa's Efforts to Check Flow of Illegal Small Arms
20 June 2012
Coast Week (Kenya) / Xinhua
KAPENGURIA - British charity Oxfam has lauded Kenya and some other African countries for pushing for regulation of small arms after disability was blamed in the region.
The organization's Arms Control Officer Anna MacDonald said on Tuesday the proliferation of small arms to Africa is threatening security and poverty alleviation and sabotaging economic development.
"The unchecked flow of light weapons into Africa is of great concern and have not only ruined lives but... (GunPolicy.org)
600,000 Illicit Arms Circulating Within Kenya, Reveals Survey
13 June 2012
Star (Kenya)
About 600,000 illicit arms are in circulation in the country, a recent survey conducted jointly by the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms KNFP and the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey SAS reveals.
Majority of this are concentrated in the hands of pastoralists from north and north eastern regions as well as in major urban centres such as Nairobi and Mombasa where they are used in committing crimes.
A statement from the Kenya Action Network on Small Arms said these... (GunPolicy.org)
Marsabit, Upper Eastern Kenya - Where the Gun Rules
30 May 2012
Capital FM (Nairobi)
MARSABIT, Kenya — They brave through the empty, lonely and insecure all-weather Marsabit roads to attend to their daily businesses.
In this town in upper Eastern Kenya, residents can only walk in groups or hire Administration Police officers to escort them to their places of work.
Instead of herding animals with the traditional shepherd's staff, herders in the North Eastern District graze their animals carrying guns and swords!
Indeed, this is the daily life in... (GunPolicy.org)
Collaboration between Police, Civilians Leads to Seizure of 45 Guns in Kenya
24 May 2012
Star (Kenya)
A collaboration between the provincial administration, Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders and community policing initiatives has led to recovery of 45 firearms in Meru county.
According to the Meru Deputy Commissioner Dixon Kwanusu, the District Security Intelligence Committees have been promoting community policing which led to the success. "Members of the public and security agencies share information with each other instead of seeking it from strangers who at times do... (GunPolicy.org)
Burundi,Tanzania,Rwanda,East Africa,Uganda,Kenya
Lack of Arms Trade Treaty Puts East Africa at Centre of Gun Trafficking
8 May 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
A total of 300,000 small arms and light weapons have been smuggled into Uganda and other East African community countries for the last 10 years.
This is as revealed by the executive secretary East Africa Action Network on small arms (EAANSA), Richard Mugisha has revealed.
Mugisha said the importation of illegal small arms was high in East Africa due to the existing arms embargoes which are too easy to break or ignore by different countries.
"How can the sale of... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Major Transit Point for Arms Trafficking in East Africa
25 April 2012
Star (Kenya)
Kenya is a major transit point for illegal weapons destined to war torn countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the East Africa Legislative Assembly has said. EALA speaker Abdirahin Abdi said this is due to Kenya's strategic position through its port of Mombasa and other long porous borders with her neighbours.
Abdi was speaking in Mombasa when he officially opened a two day sensitisation forum on the need to support Small Arms And Light Weapons for parliamentary security,... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya, Ethiopia Turn to Trade to Curb Cross Border Gun Running
7 April 2012
East African (Nairobi)
Kenya and Ethiopia are opening up their volatile border to more trade as they seek to improve community relations, ease inter-ethnic tensions to reduce demand for small arms and disrupt one of the main routes of illicit small arms coming into East Africa.
Illicit small arms trade in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region has been one of the main drivers of crime across East Africa and has sustained organised criminal networks like cattle rustlers and urban... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns, Domestic Shootings Factor in Kenya's 1,756 Violent Deaths
4 April 2012
Nation (Kenya)
Some 1,756 people were killed last year by violent and armed criminals, a new police report shows.
The report, which records an increase in serious crimes like murder and violent robbery, cites the rise of criminal gangs and availability of guns on the black market as the reasons.
It shows a seven per cent surge in incidents reported to police compared to 2010.
Police, however, note that a "significant" number of victims were not killed by gangsters but died at the... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Govt Launches an Amnesty for Those in Possession of Illegal Firearms
23 March 2012
Star (Kenya)
The government has given those in possession of illegal firearms in Western province a one month amnesty to return the guns. Speaking during a two day workshop on awareness rising on the dangers of illicit small arms and light weapons in a Bungoma hotel, the Kenya National Focal Point director David Kimaiyo said the criminals have been terrosing residents of Bungoma North, Kimilili and parts of Webuye. The workshop was also attended by Upper Western regional... (GunPolicy.org)
Panama,Liberia,Oman,Yemen,Egypt,Saudi Arabia,Mauritius,Seychelles,Mongolia,Djibouti,Madagascar,United Arab Emirates,United Kingdom,Somalia,Kenya
Anti-piracy Security Firms Keep Guns in Floating Armouries to Avoid Law
22 March 2012
Associated Press
NAIROBI, Kenya — Private security firms are storing their guns aboard floating armories in international waters so ships that want armed anti-piracy guards for East Africa's pirate-infested waters can cut costs and circumvent laws limiting the import and export of weapons, industry officials say.
Companies and legal experts say the operation of the armories is a "legal gray area" because few, if any, governments have laws governing the practice. Some security... (GunPolicy.org)
Suspected Belgian Killers Involved in Illegal Gun Trade in Uganda and Kenya
22 March 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
Four men including a police officer who allegedly murdered a Belgian tourist in Mount Elgon National Park in Kapchorwa district in 2008 were allegedly involved in an illegal firearms trade, a Police commissioner has told court.
Christopher Kwerit, a commissioner in charge of political education in the Police force produced charge and caution statements before the court martial on Tuesday in which the suspects allegedly confessed that they were involved in arms trade in... (GunPolicy.org)
Côte d'Ivoire,Mali,Togo,West Africa,Ghana,Kenya
Ghana National Security Receives Firearm Marking Machines
7 March 2012
Ghana News Agency
The Regional Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) based in Kenya, on Wednesday presented two weapon marking machines to Ghana in efforts to eliminate the illicit trade and proliferation of small arms and weapons.
The donation was made during a three-day training programme for security personnel on weapons marking and record-keeping in Accra and organised in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) and Ministry of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,Sudan,Congo (DRC),Uganda
Uganda Government is Drafting a Bill to Tighten, Control, Limit Firearm Use
25 February 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
The government is drafting a bill to tighten, control and limit the use of firearms by security agencies and civilians across the country. The Firearms, Ammunition and Related Materials Bill seeks to harmonise all existing laws governing possession of guns, including the Firearms Act, 1970.
The 1970 Act only regulates ownership of firearms held by individuals, while those held by the police and security agencies are governed under separate laws. It is not known how... (GunPolicy.org)
Somalia,Mozambique,Tanzania,Kenya,East Africa
Small Arms Proliferation in East Africa Fueling Conflicts and Instability - Opinion
23 February 2012
Pambazuka News (Africa), Opinion
A proliferation of small arms is fueling conflict and instability in East Africa. The ongoing pre-election violence in Kenya and the 'war on terror' will deter domestic and international investors, business people and economists say. These fears are valid given that illicit weapons are said to be hidden in parts of Kenya, especially in the Rift Valley Province.
On 9 December 2009 and on 2 February 2010, thousands of bullets, army uniforms, thousands of litres of fuel,... (GunPolicy.org)
Conditions to Be Met when Applying for Firearm Licence in Kenya
6 January 2012
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
When applying for a firearms certificate, one is required to have a valid certificate of good conduct and a photocopy of their Kenyan Identity Card.
Aliens will have to produce passports, work permits and any other supporting documents.
The originals of the above documents are submitted to the local police boss, who will complete a questionnaire and make his recommendations and thereafter forward to his OCPD.
A safe inspection report, which is filled after the... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Regional Commissioner Urges Isiolo Communities to Surrender Arms
14 December 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
Communities in Isiolo have been advised to take advantage of the government amnesty to surrender illegal firearms in their custody.
Upper Eastern Regional Commissioner Isaih Nakoru said the government has deployed enough security officers into the areas and that security has been beefed up.
He said those who voluntarily surrender the firearms will not be victimised and that people must feel free to return them at any time. "I am appealing to the communities to start... (GunPolicy.org)
In a Year, NYC Police Fire 20% of Bullets Fired in Hours by Kenya Police
4 December 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Consider this and think of the situation in Kenya as you read on: Last year, 52 officers out of a force of 34,565 officers from the New York Police Department intentionally fired 236 bullets during confrontations with suspects.
The officers reportedly shot and killed only eight people and injured 16 the whole year, in what the Police Department say marked record lows.
Of course the social and economic realities of Nairobi and New York are totally different but there... (GunPolicy.org)
Congo (DRC),Africa,Kenya,United States
High-price US Fashion Jewellery Made from AK-47s Funds Gun Destruction
30 November 2011
New York Times
When Cara Buono arrived at the Emmy Awards in September, nominated as best guest actress in a drama series for her role as Dr. Faye Miller in "Mad Men," she wore a $150,000 political statement in her lobes. "These earrings," she said, "are made from AK-47 gun metal."
Ms. Buono's husband, Peter Thum, is a founder, with John Zapolski, of Fonderie 47, an organization that converts what is perhaps the most widely distributed assault rifle into jewelry.
On a visit to Kenya... (GunPolicy.org)
50,000 Illegal Guns in Kenya: Government Must Curb Cartels, Say NGOs
22 November 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
More than 50,000 illegal guns are still in the hands of civilians, especially in urban areas and other regions prone to cattle rustling.
A report by civil society groups indicates that the government has been unable to deal with the infiltration of small arms into the country because of involvement of some well-connected individuals involved in the trade. Chairman of the NGOs Council Ken Wafula wants the government to crack down on the cartels.
Wafula says that unless... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Recover Illegal Arms in Refugee Camp
1 November 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
A security operation to recover illegal firearms in the three refugee camps in Garissa county in North-Eastern region has unearthed a cache of firearms believed to have been used in crime including hijacking vehicles belonging to humanitarian organisations and foreigners in refugee camps.
The operation which started two weeks ago in the Ifo, Hagardera and Dagahaley have so far recovered four AK 47 assault rifles, 16 magazines and 477 bullets in Hagardera refugee... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,East Africa,South Africa,Kenya
Security Threat in Kenya Triggers Debate on Whether to Give Guards Guns
27 October 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
At the Majlis Resort on Manda Island, the night watchman carries only a radio and a torch. As dusk falls on the island, a team of local police officers armed with rifles arrives and settles down on the beachfront.
Less than a month ago, Somali pirates kidnapped French woman Marieu Dedieu from this very spot. Now police are here to guard a handful of tourists still remaining in Lamu, because they are the only ones who can do it.
"The government wrote a letter to... (GunPolicy.org)
150,000 Illegal Arms in 2003 to 350,000 in 2011, Expert Warns Kenya
21 October 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
There are more than 350,000 illegal arms in the country, an expert has said. Deputy Director of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons Patrick Ochieng said the number of illegal arms has shot up in the recent past noting that in 2003 there were only 150,000 illegal firearms in the country.
"We are facing an upsurge of guns which are in the wrong hands and they have become a threat to the country's national security," Ochieng said during a... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Somalia,Kenya
Onus Now on Kenya Government to Halt the Firearms Threat - Opinion
9 October 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Opinion
Recent revelations that there are between 200,000 and 450,000 illegal firearms in circulation in the country are quite alarming.
The government must move fast to ensure that this trend of events is put to an immediate halt.
We believe that the country's porous borders are a contributory factor and the authorities must step up efforts to eradicate the menace.
The National Small Arms Mapping Survey, a joint effort between the government and the Swiss-based Small Arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,Somalia,Libya,Ethiopia,Sudan,Uganda,Ukraine
Police Close Kenya-Somalia Border, Attempt to Block 'Conduit of Illicit Arms'
5 October 2011
Business Daily (Nairobi)
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere's Monday order to close the Kenya-Somalia border has not affected flights, offering miraa traders and humanitarian workers a lifeline.
Miraa is one of Kenya's largest exports to Somalia, accounting for a substantial share of the Sh13 billion export value to the country last year, according to the Economic Survey 2011.
"We do not have any indication of cancellation of flights from the commissioner's communication," said Kenya Police... (GunPolicy.org)
Bill Recommends 5-yr Prison Term for Misuse of Firearms in Kenya
26 September 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
Misuse or illegal possession of firearms will now be punishable by a five-year jail term if the Cabinet passes a newly developed draft bill on small and light weapons compiled by Kenya National Focal Point.
The Bill, which has been handed over to the Minister for Provincial Administration and Internal Security George Saitoti, recommends that any police officer or licensed firearm holder who handles a gun while under the influence of alcohol will be jailed if... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,Ethiopia,Uganda,Sudan,Somalia,East Africa
Hundreds Die in Gun Violence, Cattle Rustling in East African Drought
20 September 2011
Think Africa Press, Opinion
TURKANA, Kenya - On a recent trip to Turkana in northern Kenya, somewhere between Maralal and Baragoi we stopped by a dry riverbed. A group of 12 men came into view through the desert scrub. As they drew closer their weapons were clearly visible, a mix of AK47s, ex-government issue G3s and a few older rifles. Our nervousness was unwarranted and the group barely slowed as they passed, merely raising their hands in greeting before continuing on towards some distant... (GunPolicy.org)
Between 200,000-450,000 Illegal Guns in Kenya, Urgent Call to Action
17 September 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Editorial
A new report on the rise in the number of people who have access to guns is as alarming as it is unsurprising.
The report by the respected Small Arms Survey estimates there are between 200,000 and 450,000 guns in the wrong hands in this country.
It is well established that a functional state is one where the government has a monopoly on the use of violence.
By that measure the report's findings are disturbing because they indicate that large parts of the country are... (GunPolicy.org)
Burundi,Rwanda,Congo (DRC),East Africa,Djibouti,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Kenya,Seychelles,Somalia,Sudan,Tanzania
RECSA Calls for Increased Efforts to Reduce Small Arms in East Africa
16 September 2011
New Times (Rwanda)
The Executive Secretary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), Dr. Francis K. Sang, has called upon all countries within the region to come up with more mechanisms and strategies to fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
RECSA is an intergovernmental body based in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together 13 countries from the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region.
All member states that subscribe to the centre, including Rwanda, are... (GunPolicy.org)
Brew Trader Woman Shot Dead by Armed Gunmen in Kenya Slums
7 September 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
An illegal brew trader was on Monday night shot dead by armed gunmen in Kibera slums. According to police, the woman is known to sell traditional brew Chang'aa within Siranga area of the slums.
Kilimani OCPD Benard Muli confirmed the 8pm shooting and added that a group of about six armed men carried out the murder. She was attacked in her house while in the company of her customers. Muli said that they were investigating the incident to establish why they only shot her... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Gun Control, Firearm Licensing Restrictions, Penalties to Increase
30 August 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
The government is to introduce new laws for acquiring guns. Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons Director David Kimaiyo has said the new laws will include stiff penalties for misuse of illegally acquired guns.
Kimaiyo said there had been many cases of misuse of licensed guns but now proper vetting will be done before guns are issued. He said currently the laws dealing with licensed guns did not adequately deal with their abuse.
Kimaiyo who was... (GunPolicy.org)
Three Ethiopians with 2,000 Bullets Arrested at Kenyan Border
17 August 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
Police in Moyale have arrested three suspected Ethiopians with more than 2,000 bullets at the border town a day after two people were killed in the area.
The three were intercepted crossing the border with the bullets in their bags. The police locked them up in Moyale police station. Upper Eastern regional PC Isaiah Nakoru said the suspects had Kenyan IDs. The PC, who held series of meetings in Moyale to calm the situation following the killing of two people two days... (GunPolicy.org)
3rd Licensed Gun Owner Charged in Kenya Road Rage, Shooting Dramas
6 July 2011
Standard (Nairobi)
A businessman was arrested after he dramatically fired six rounds of ammunition in a road rage incident at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Koinange Street, Nairobi.
Mr Elly Owuor, was arrested outside the Serena Hotel where he had escaped to following the 3am incident on Wednesday.
Mr Owuor's black sleek Mercedes Benz car had been involved in an accident with another salon vehicle when he suddenly came out holding a pistol in his hand.
Police confirmed that he is... (GunPolicy.org)
Southern Sudan Faces Major Challenge in Disarming 150,000 Soldiers
2 July 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Southern Sudan is facing a major challenge of disarming more than 150,000 soldiers and easing them back to civilian life when it gains independence this week.
Southern Sudan Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission chairman William Deng Deng said the new state wants to get rid of excess forces including the elderly, disabled and children.
"These are soldiers that are no longer useful after the war. We now need an organised, professional, controllable... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,Sudan,Ethiopia,Somalia,East Africa,Uganda
East Africa: Put Down Your Gun, Pick Up Your Baton and Run for Peace
12 June 2011
East African (Nairobi)
As she posed for a picture with cattle rustlers long used to treating guns as toys, East African Community Deputy Secretary General for Political Federation Beatrice Kiraso made a provocative statement.
"The richest people in the world are not cattle keepers but industrialised nations," she told an audience of mainly cattle keeping communities during the 8th edition of the Moroto Peace Race recently.
You don't tell that to a community that lives and dies for cattle.... (GunPolicy.org)
Wave of Murders/Suicides Amongst Kenyan Police Under Study
16 May 2011
Capital FM-Radio (Nairobi)
NAIROBI, Kenya - Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere has commissioned a research to establish the cause of the stress levels amongst his officers, in the wake of increased cases of policemen killing their seniors or colleagues before they commit suicide.
This follows four recent incidents where police officers have either committed suicide or killed fellow officers - mainly their seniors - in various parts of the country.
The most recent incident occurred at the... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Officer Uses Service Rifle to Gun Down Boss, 2 Colleagues in Kenya
27 March 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
A policeman, who shot dead two of his colleagues, stared into the camera without any remorse on Sunday morning.
Mr Martin Mutwiri, 28, was arrested as he boarded a Nairobi-bound matatu in Nanyuki town, in what detectives described as a bid to escape.
This was barely 10 hours after he shot the deputy commander of Naro Moru Police Station, Mr Hudson Orwenyo and a senior sergeant on Saturday evening.
Nyeri police boss Kirunya Limbitu said the suspect turned violent... (GunPolicy.org)
Olympic Champion Charged Over AK-47 Threat to Kill His Wife in Nairobi
30 December 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Olympic marathon gold medallist Samuel Wanjiru was on Thursday charged with threatening to kill his wife, Tereza Njeri, with an illegal firearm.
The marathon champion was also charged with threatening to kill their househelp, Nancy Njoki, and wounding a security guard, Mr William Masinde.
Wanjiru denied the charges in a Nyahururu court and was released on a bond of Sh300,000, with a similar surety.
He is said to have committed the offences on Wednesday at his... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Policeman Kills 10, Hunting 'Woman Who Infected Him With HIV'
8 November 2010
Associated Press
A police officer who said he was looking for a woman who infected him with HIV rampaged through three bars in a central Kenyan town and killed 10 people, including two fellow officers, officials say.
The shooting spree happened late on Saturday in Siakago, 150km northeast of the capital Nairobi.
The suspect, who is in his 30s, went out on Saturday night looking for a female friend but couldn't find her, District Commissioner John Chelimo said on Sunday. The officer is... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Reforms Deliberately Leave Security Guards Unarmed in Kenya
15 September 2010
Business Daily (Nairobi)
Private security guards hoping to own forearms will have to undergo the same licensing procedures as civilians, the Police Reforms Implementation Committee has said.
The committee chairman, Mr Titus Naikuni, said the Private Security Industry Regulation Bill 2010, meant to regulate the private security sector would not automatically allow the arming of security guards.
The quest to arm private security guards - who are not members of the armed force - has opened... (GunPolicy.org)
Police, Even Security Industry Oppose Arming Private Guards in Kenya
13 September 2010
Business Daily (Nairobi)
Regulation of the private security sector is seen as a prerequisite to allowing guards to carry firearms as proposed in the Private Security Regulation Bill 2010, a measure seen as a deterrent to crime, but which could also become a security risk if arms filter to criminals.
Countries like Uganda, Morocco and Canada allow private guards to be armed under strict regulations. However, whether allowing guards to carry arms is or is not a crime deterrent measure is... (GunPolicy.org)
Give Police More Resources, Don't Risk Arming Security Guards in Kenya
9 September 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Editorial
NAIROBI — The job of a private security guard is most unenviable. These people work long hours, often in the dark of night, rarely with any kind of break, and they are hardly ever appreciated - until something untoward happens.
Most private security guards are ill-trained and invariably ill-paid. Indeed, for between Sh5,000 and Sh8,000 a month, they are supposed to lay down their lives in the line of duty.
So it does sound extremely callous to raise an alarm about... (GunPolicy.org)
Amnesty International Report Claims Kenya Abets Regional Gun Running
21 July 2010
Standard (Nairobi)
Kenya is one of the countries that have failed to control movement of weapons, which end up being used to commit war crimes.
A new report by Amnesty International shows how countries fail to control trafficking of deadly arms globally, leading to serious human rights violation.
The report exposed how transport companies registered in five countries ship arms by sea and air around the world.
The report, Deadly Movements: Arms Transportation Controls in the Arms Trade... (GunPolicy.org)
Tanzania,Kenya,Rwanda,Congo (DRC),Burundi,Somalia,Ethiopia,Djibouti,Eritrea
Great Lakes and Horn of Africa Nations Add Local Serial Numbers to Guns
3 July 2010
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
The Regional Centre on Small Arms (Recsa) is procuring a database software to facilitate firearms marking, record keeping and trade of light weapons in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.
Speaking at a two-day regional workshop in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, the Recsa Monitoring and Evaluation head, Mr Nestory Mpembela, said with the database software, small arms and light weapons particulars would be at finger tips.
"This product will immensely and positively... (GunPolicy.org)
Alleged Gun Runner Caught in Kenya on Regular Arms Smuggling Trip
18 June 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — A man on the police list of gun runners in Kenya has been arrested and is being questioned in connection with Sunday's grenade attacks at Uhuru Park.
Undercover officers from the Special Crime Prevention Unit arrested him at a roadblock at Matuu on the Nairobi-Garissa highway on Thursday night.
They found him with seven guns and 27 rounds of ammunition.
He was travelling to Nairobi from Garissa on a bus.
The officers used gun detectors to uncover the... (GunPolicy.org)
Pirates, Submerged Cache of Guns & Ammo Hauled In by Kenya Police
19 May 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — A Malindi fisherman chanced upon a cache of arms on Wednesday, triggering a major security operation in the coastal town. The fisherman was setting nets to catch octopus in the Indian Ocean when he came across the weapons.
On Wednesday, police officers hauled the arsenal ashore and displayed it at Malindi Police Station as investigators tried to unravel who the owner is.
The weapons, packed in sacks, included 436 bullets, four rockets, one rocket launcher,... (GunPolicy.org)
Armed Robbers Target Bus Passengers, Smuggle Guns Into Kenyan Cities
16 May 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Three people were arrested on Sunday after they were found smuggling two guns and ammunition into the city.
Detectives from the Special Crime Prevention Unit led by Mr Richard Katola intercepted the bus from Kisumu and recovered a Browning automatic and Tokarev pistols with eleven rounds of ammunition. The bus had just arrived in the city from Kisumu when police acting on a tip-off arrested the men.
Nairobi police boss Anthony Kibuchi said they were being... (GunPolicy.org)
East Africa,Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Kenya
Kenya Police Promise Latest Gun Seizure Will Be Less Heavy-handed
7 May 2010
IRIN (UN News)
ISIOLO-SAMBURU (Kenya) - Thousands of security personnel have been deployed across northern Kenya to confiscate weapons after a voluntary disarmament exercise netted only a small fraction of the 50,000 guns thought to be in civilian hands.
Firearms are widespread among pastoralist communities in east Africa, where police are rare and cattle theft and intercommunal conflict is common. Similar operations are taking place in neighbouring Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan Army Deployed to Seize Illegal Firearms After Close of Amnesty
27 April 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — The army has been deployed in Rift Valley to help mop up illegal firearms.
The soldiers were deployed to reinforce a forced disarmament operation following the expiry of an amnesty.
"The army moved in three weeks ago," a senior provincial administrator who requested not to be named told Nation.
The official said most of the soldiers had been deployed to border points to block suspects from skipping the country.
Soldiers have been spotted in Pokot North... (GunPolicy.org)
Sudan,Kenya,Tanzania,Ethiopia,Somalia,East Africa
Fix Security in East Africa and Nobody Will Bother Buying Guns Illegally
6 April 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Opinion
Internal Security minister George Saitoti and his permanent secretary Francis Kimemia were in their element when they oversaw the burning of 2,500 small arms at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi recently.
The minister even took the chance to dabble in a bit of politics. He promised -- as he has done before, on similar occasions -- to enact a law that mandates stiffer penalties for anyone found with illegal arms.
Even as the minister was declaring that illegal guns were going... (GunPolicy.org)
Election Officials Urge Suspension of Kenya Gun Seizure Campaign
5 April 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has been urged to suspend the planned disarmament operation in Rift Valley to allow registration of voters.
Ms Bilha Kiptugen, the North Rift Interim Independent Electoral Commission coordinator, claimed that the operation would subject residents to harassment and disrupt the registration.
"Some residents on border points might not register as they are likely to flee to neighbouring countries to escape the disarmament exercise," said... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya, Uganda Guard Regional Borders in 'Ruthless' Drive to Seize Guns
4 April 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA, Uganda — Kenya has set up checkpoints at its borders with Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia ahead of a disarmament exercise to repossess illegal guns.
This has caused panic in the Northern Rift Valley, where cattle rustling is a common practice.
Reports indicate that hundreds of troops have been deployed at Suam, which borders with Kapchorwa and Bukwo districts of Uganda.
Kenyan army trucks were seen in Kitale and Kapenguria deploying soldiers.
Sources said UPDF... (GunPolicy.org)
Armed Violence, Insecurity Undermine Development in Kenya's Turkana
31 March 2010
Inter Press Service News Agency
TURKANA, Kenya — The children are afraid. There are armed bandits hiding with stolen animals in the thickets behind Nawoyaregae Primary School in Kaputir Location.
Cattle rustling and gory battles between the neighbouring Turkana and Pokot communities are the order of the day in this area, some 700 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. A long tradition of cattle raiding has been sharpened by competition over grazing land and water.
"The pupils cannot attend classes... (GunPolicy.org)
Drive to Seize Another 50,000 Illegal Guns in Kenya Amid Talk of 'Abuse'
24 March 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Kenya's pastoralists have spent Sh1.1 billion to arm themselves over the years, it was revealed on Wednesday.
The figure is tallied from the number of firearms confiscated from them during the recent disarmament.
The guns are used for cattle rustling in which many people are killed and livestock stolen.
Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia said this while the minister, Prof George Saitoti, pledged to have a law enacted, with stiffer... (GunPolicy.org)
Retired Police, Soldiers Offer to Help Recover Illegal Guns in Kenya
22 March 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Retired soldiers and police officers have offered to help recover illegal firearms in banditry-prone northern Kenya.
Kenya Veterans for Peace chief executive officer John Mathenge said members were willing to work with the provincial administration and other security agencies to collect intelligence crucial in the dismantling of small arms cartels in the country.
Mr Mathenge told a peace conference in Nakuru that involvement of veterans in disarmament... (GunPolicy.org)
Cattle Rustler Kept Waiting 7hrs to Give Up AK-47 in Kenya Gun Amnesty
17 March 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — A cattle rustler who travelled more than 200 kilometres to surrender an illegal firearm had to endure a long wait after he found the district commissioner's office deserted.
The 36-year-old thief travelled from Adurkoit village near the Kenya-Uganda border to the Kapenguria District headquarters to hand his AK-47 rifle to DC Alan Machari.
The man, who was escorted by Adurkoit sub-location assistant chief David Yarangiro and Warriors Rehabilitation... (GunPolicy.org)
Ten People Shot Dead in a Week by 'Paramilitary' Police in Kenya
15 March 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — The training and supervision of Administration Police officers is being questioned following recent shootings involving officers from the force.
Last week, a total of 10 people were killed by APs under unclear circumstances.
Seven taxi drivers were shot dead in Nairobi, a soldier was shot by another AP officer in Kericho and two men responding to a neighbour's distress call were killed in Gatundu.
Security experts blame the cases on the fact that APs do... (GunPolicy.org)
Shooting Assassination of 7 Unarmed Drivers Blamed on Nairobi Police
14 March 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Paul Ngugi cannot help but thank God for saving his life from the merciless bullets of Administration Police officers that snuffed life out of his seven colleagues.
At around midnight, a client walked up to him at his Riruta base where he operates taxi business. The client, Mr Ngugi recalled, asked to be dropped at Dagoretti Corner, a 15-minute drive from Riruta.
"I reluctantly agreed to take him because of the standoff we had earlier had with our boda... (GunPolicy.org)
Pastoralists Fear Brutality, Torture as Kenyan Police Come for Their Guns
22 February 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Pastoral communities in northern Kenya are apprehensive over the disarmament expected to start any time now.
A 70-day amnesty to surrender illegal arms by the pastoralists lapsed at the weekend, with 1,141 guns and 14,980 bullets having been handed over.
The government has also repossessed more than 500 guns initially issued to home guards in the region. This will ensure no one will be having a government-issued gun when the operation begins.
Residents of... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan TV Crew Buy AK-47 in Turkana, Easily Smuggle It Into Nairobi
9 February 2010
Standard (Nairobi)
Buying a gun and transporting the loaded weapon past numerous police checks without detection has never been that easy.
This is what KTN crew proved.
Reporters and a cameraman were on assignment in Turkana last week when they managed to not only buy an AK-47 rifle and bullets, but also transport it to Nairobi.
The reporters said the weapon was not discovered despite checks on the road from Turkana to Nairobi.
They said they initially bought the rifle with seven... (GunPolicy.org)
Large Seizures of Illegal Ammunition Stir Up Sleepy Kenyan Town
2 February 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Despite its proximity to the capital and being the gateway to the world famous Maasai Mara game reserve, Narok has remained a quiet, dusty and sleepy town.
Not even the ongoing wrangling about the conservation of the Mau Forest have stirred it up.
But things changed on December 7, last year. On that day, Narok was thrown into the spotlight when a large cache of ammunition and military hardware were discovered right in the middle of the town.
Broadcast... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Find Another 30,000 Kenyan, Czech Bullets in Suspect's Home
1 February 2010
Associated Press
NAROK, Kenya - Kenya's police chief says officers have seized another cache of bullets at the premises of a man already facing charges for a separate arms seizure last year.
Matthew Iteere says police found the Kenyan and Czech-made bullets in a container at Munir Ahmed's garage. He says police seized two other containers but are yet to confirm their contents.
Most of the 30,000 bullets are Kenyan, Iteere says. Such bullets are made at a government plant and only... (GunPolicy.org)
In Sweep to Seize, Destroy Illegal Firearms, Kenya Police Kill Gun Owner
26 January 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — A man was killed and 13 others arrested in a police operation to recover illegal firearms in Trans Mara District.
District commissioner Albert Mwiritza said police shot the man who defied orders to surrender and instead fired his gun at the officers.
He said an AK-47 rifle and 16 rounds of ammunition were found on the deceased.
Among the 13 who were arrested was a taxi driver who was found with nine rounds of ammunition.
The contingent of regular and... (GunPolicy.org)
Deadline Extended by Kenyan Government to 'Mop Up' Illegal Guns
27 December 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
The government has extended the deadline on the general amnesty issued to pastoralists to surrender illegal firearms.
In a statement to the press on Sunday, Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti said the amnesty has been extended to January 20, 2010.
The minister said his action was prompted by the good response by members of the pastoralist communities on the earlier amnesty that was issued by the Government.
Professor Saitoti said that he expected that the... (GunPolicy.org)
Civilians, Reservists Surrender Assault Weapons in Kenya Gun Ban Drive
21 December 2009
Kenyan Broadcasting Service
Residents of Iisiolo district have surrendered 177 assault rifles to the government in a bid to beat the amnesty period deadline.
Security personnel have in the past two weeks also recovered 7,939 rounds of ammunition from civilians while Kenya police reservists have handed back 217 guns issued to them by the government.
Isiolo DC Mr. James Mwaura commended the residents for surrendering illegal firearms and expressed optimism that those in possession of illegal... (GunPolicy.org)
Race to Smuggle, Buy Assault Weapons as Kenya Pastoralists Re-arm
20 December 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI, Kenya — The demand for automatic weapons in Turkana, Samburu and Pokot has created a huge market and this could explain the recent arms seizures in the country.
Fuelled by persistent droughts, the arms race among the pastoral communities in Northern Kenya has intensified in the last decade with almost 95 per cent of households said to own a firearm.
A two-decade study of the three communities says that by the early 1990s, most households had a... (GunPolicy.org)
High-level Corruption Alleged in Kenya Police Gun Trafficking Scandal
13 December 2009
Standard (Nairobi)
Hardly a week after the Cabinet approved police reforms the Administration Police is in the eye of a new storm over an illegal arms haul.
The force, which has been adversely mentioned in various reports that accuse it of gross human rights violations that include murder and rape during and after the 2007 General Election is fending off allegations that its top brass is involved in clandestine movement of arms.
The centre of the new storm is force commandant Kinuthia... (GunPolicy.org)
British Army Gear Among Large Ammo Cache and Guns Seized in Kenya
10 December 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — A Kenyan working at a British Army base has been arrested and detained in connection with the huge cache of weapons seized by police in Narok.
Mr John Wandeto, a civilian, was arrested as businessman Ishmael Munir and a senior Administration Police officer, Superintendent Joseph Maritim, were charged in court for illegally possessing government ammunition.
Mr Wandeto, who is employed at the military base in Nanyuki, was picked up by detectives on Wednesday... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Owner, Police Armourer Arrested Over 100,000-bullet Cache in Kenya
9 December 2009
East African Standard (Nairobi)
A couple was found with more than 100,000 bullets and military gear in their house at Narok town.
Four rifles and two pistols were also found in Mr Munir Ahmed's house. A seventh pistol was found on his waist when he was arrested in Embakasi, Nairobi, on Monday night.
The seized bullets are usually used in sub-machine guns. Yesterday, police displayed two telescopic machines, five pairs of military boots, assorted British military uniforms, 20 army bags, 20 planes'... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Arrest Businessman with 'Licensed' Guns, 100,000 Bullets in Nairobi
8 December 2009
Associated Press
NAIROBI, Kenya -- Kenyan police on Tuesday said they arrested a suspected weapons smuggler with up to 100,000 bullets and an assortment of guns, a huge cache in a country with stringent gun laws.
Police recovered the weapons and ammunition in two raids carried out late Monday on the suspect's house in the capital, Nairobi, and on a business site in the western town of Narok, Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere said.
Ever since violent clashes killed more than 1,000... (GunPolicy.org)
Government to Seize, Destroy Illegal Guns in Kenya's Eastern, North Rift
20 November 2009
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
The government will mop out all illegal firearms in the insecurity prone areas of North Rift and Upper Eastern parts at the country in order to improve security in those areas.
The minister for state in charge of internal security and provincial Administration, Prof. George Saitoti said over the years, the country had experienced proliferation of small and light fire arms due to its porous borders with her unstable neighbours.
He said prolonged drought and instability... (GunPolicy.org)
Burundi,Kenya,Rwanda,Uganda,Tanzania,East Africa
We Must Eliminate the Menace of Illegal Guns in East Africa
11 November 2009
Observer (Kampala), Opinion
During the ceremonies to mark the 10th anniversary of the re-birth of the East African Community, 3,500 small arms were destroyed in a gesture of fighting the menace of illicit small arms and light weapons.The symbolic destruction of the unlicensed weapons fed into the theme of the anniversary celebrations, which was: 'Peace and security for stability and development.'
Realising the magnitude of the menace of small arms in illegal hands, the delegates to a conference... (GunPolicy.org)
Central Africa,East Africa,Kenya,Rwanda,Somalia,Sudan,Uganda,Burundi,Congo (DRC)
Small Arms Control Group Decries 'Huge' Proliferation of Guns in Africa
3 November 2009
Xinhua
NAIROBI — The Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA) has decried the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes region, Horn of Africa and bordering states.
RECSA Executive Secretary Francis Sang noted that the center was working in collaboration with the UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa to promote disarmament.
To address this problem, he said, the governments should support the national, sub-regional, regional and... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya 'A Nation on a Timebomb' of Illegal Guns, Death Penalty Mooted
1 November 2009
Standard (Nairobi)
More than 130,000 guns are in the wrongs hands. The Government and experts are unanimous the country is sitting on a time bomb, which could explode any time.
Head of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons David Kimaiyo warns the problem could reach unmanageable levels.
"We have to address this issue once and for all, otherwise it might end up causing a serious social, economic and political problem," he warns.
Past efforts to mop up and burn... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Leads UN Global Gun Trade Treaty Against 'Merchants of Doom'
19 October 2009
East African (Nairobi)
Kenya is pressing within the United Nations for the start of talks on a binding global treaty to restrict the illegal transfer of small arms that take scores of lives in eastern and central Africa every day.
The UN's disarmament committee will decide this month whether to endorse formal negotiations on such a treaty.
Continuing in the leadership role it has played on this issue for several years, Kenya has joined Britain, Japan and four other nations in sponsoring a... (GunPolicy.org)
Human Rights Worker Faces Charge for Discussing Kenya Gun Running
12 October 2009
East African (Nairobi), Opinion
NAIROBI — Mid-last week, the British Broadcasting Corporation broke a story pointing to the possibility of arming, with conventional weapons, of both the Kalenjin and the Gikuyu communities in the Rift Valley.
The story was picked up the next day by local media houses — with key quotations to back up the BBC claims being given by Ken Wafula, who works with a human rights organisation in Eldoret.
The government, predictably, came out to deny the possibility —... (GunPolicy.org)
Influx of Illegal Guns as Kenyans 'Rearm for Ethnic Arms Race, 2012 Poll'
7 October 2009
BBC News
Rival ethnic groups in Kenya who fought after the 2007 election are rearming in readiness for violence at the 2012 poll, a BBC investigation has found.
It is feared villagers in Rift Valley province are moving from traditional weapons such as spears to machine guns.
Government officials insist they are tackling the influx of illegal arms.
But they have been widely criticised for failing to punish the ringleaders of violence after the 2007 election, in which 1,300... (GunPolicy.org)
Owning an Assault Weapon Could Soon Be a Hanging Offence in Kenya
6 October 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Owners of illegal guns and police officers who rent their firearms to criminals could soon face the death penalty.
Law enforcement agencies are pushing for tighter gun control and have proposed a raft of tough measures to be discussed by the Cabinet soon.
These include an amendment to the Firearms Act, the law governing the legal ownership of guns.
According to the latest proposals contained in the National Policy on Small Arms and Light Weapons, no one will be... (GunPolicy.org)
Harmonisation of Gun Control Law Key to Kenya's War on Small Arms
27 August 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
The Kenya government has started harmonising crime laws to boost the war on small arms.
Solicitor-general Wanjuki Muchemi said the Organised Crime Bill, Terrorism Bill and International Crime Bill are being amended to help combat crime.
The changes include harsher penalties for illegal possession of guns, he said, adding that the amendments also seek to address the misuse of firearms by police officers.
Light weapons
"As a commitment to addressing transnational... (GunPolicy.org)
6000 Arrows, 11 Guns Surrendered in Kenya's Illegal Weapon Amnesty
9 August 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — The government plans to extend the amnesty period for those willing to surrender weapons used during the post-election violence.
The amnesty is to expire in two weeks but the ministry for Special Programmes said the period may be extended.
Some 6,000 arrows and 11 guns have already been... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Destroys 22,634 Guns, But Criminals Still Have More Than 10,000
30 June 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
More than 10,000 firearms are in the hands of criminals in Kenya today, posing a big threat to security, a government body revealed on Tuesday.
The National Focal Point on Small Arms has thus drafted a memo to the cabinet seeking to introduce harsh penalties on people convicted of gun crime.
Initial proposals pushed for the death sentence but have since been scaled down to the life sentence, head of the unit David Kimaiyo said.
Human rights group have prevailed upon... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya's Killer Gangs Increasingly Own, Rent Handguns, Assault Rifles
20 June 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Saturday's shooting of permanent secretary Kinuthia Murugu is the latest demonstration of a resurgence of gun crimes in the country, especially in Nairobi.
Other high-profile cases in the past week include the killing of a university lecturer and the shooting dead of three people in the city's Eastlands, on suspicion of being police informers.
Prof Peter Kenya was shot dead on Wednesday night in Zimmerman estate as he frantically hooted. Earlier, a top police... (GunPolicy.org)
Somalia,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Uganda,Kenya,Yemen,Djibouti
Gun Dealers Revel in Profits from Arms Trafficking, Somali War Business
9 June 2009
Reuters
MOGADISHU — Sitting on a mat at home between taking orders for arms on his two mobile phones, Osman Bare gives thanks for the riches flowing from Somalia's war.
"I have only been in the weapon business five years, but I have erected three villas. I have also opened shops for my two wives," said the 40-year-old, one of about 400 Somali men operating in Mogadishu's main weapons market.
"Peace means bankruptcy for us."
Despite a U.N. arms embargo on Somalia, the Horn... (GunPolicy.org)
Street Shootings Claim Prominent Victims, 'Gunmen Run Wild' in Nairobi
6 May 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
A spate of unresolved killings in Nairobi and its environs over the past two months has raised the alarm over the level of gun crimes in Kenya's capital city. From March, over 26 people have been shot and killed in circumstances that suggest planned murder rather than opportunistic crimes or robberies gone wrong.
The number could be much higher given that the Nation figures are based only on reports of high-profile killings. The trend is even more alarming because in... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Demand Illegal Guns in Rift Valley, Residents Cry Foul
17 April 2009
Standard (Nairobi)
The Government has launched a security operation to mop up illegal firearms at the troubled Kwanza and West Pokot border.
Some members of the Pokot community, however, claimed security officers carrying out the operation were harassing them.
But police dismissed the claims saying they were there to deal with armed gangs that have been raiding homes.
"They attack and kill people and come up with baseless claims whenever we conduct crackdowns," said a police officer.... (GunPolicy.org)
Death Row Beckons for Illegal Gun Owners Under New Law for Kenya
17 March 2009
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Possessing an unlicensed gun could soon earn you the death sentence as the Kenyan government steps up the war on crime.
And police officers who hired out their guns to criminals could also join armed robbers on death row.
Those who sold illicit firearms will not be spared either, if Parliament adopts proposed amendments to the Firearms Act.
Innocent Person
At present, a person found in possession of a firearm without a licence faces up to 15 years in prison.... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Launches National Gun Marking Scheme to Curb Theft, Trafficking
15 December 2008
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Kenya is set to be among the first countries in the region to launch its gun marking exercise in line with the requirements of the Nairobi protocol on prevention, control and reduction of small arms.
The exercise planned to kick off on Tuesday, follows the acquisition of an electronic marking machine from the regional center on small arms.
The country has over the years been a victim of crimes resulting from proliferated firearms from neighboring countries.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
AK-47s Cross Borders Freely in Warlords' Gun Markets of North Rift Valley
10 December 2008
Standard (Nairobi)
Ethokon Lumana Engolon was relaxed and enjoying herding his cattle and goats 500 meters away from his Manyatta in Kalimorock, Turkana South District, when his life was transformed.
The day had began well and his mind occasionally wandered as he took pride of how his stock had doubled and fattened.
He was excited that with the onset of short rains and maturing of new pasture, the long trek in search of water and pasture would temporarily be forgotten.
Excruciating... (GunPolicy.org)
Proliferation of Guns in Rift Valley Threatens Development in East Africa
29 October 2008
Indiana University Press, Book review
The small arms threat to peace, security, and sustainable development.
"A path-breaking examination of a highly important and hitherto largely neglected topic." — Mark Leopold, University of Sussex.
"A systematic overview of the effect of small arms on pastoralism and governance in Karamoja and Samburu/Laikipia/Turkana." — Philip Winter, Rift Valley Institute
Recent estimates indicate that more than 640 million small arms and 16 billion rounds of ammunition... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan Police Blame Flow of Illegal Guns on Somali, Ethiopian Dealers
27 October 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
A security operation has been launched in North Eastern Province to curb the influx of illegal fire arms from Somalia and Ethiopia.
Speaking to the Nation on phone on Monday, Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojodeh said the operation started two days ago.
"We have ordered an operation in Mandera to flush out dealers in illegal arms from the neighbouring Somalia and Ethiopia," he said, noting that immigrants had taken the local residents hostage.
But the... (GunPolicy.org)
Ammunition Factory Implicated in Kenya's Post-election Armed Violence
19 October 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Guns from Mt Elgon and an employee of Eldoret bullet factory assisted the gangs who unleashed violence in the North Rift, the Waki commission report reveals.
It lays bare an intricate plan, design and execution of the violence in the area that attracted the country's and world's attention when women and children were burnt alive in a church.
The report, on the basis of evidence given by witnesses, indicates that politicians and athletes from the region... (GunPolicy.org)
Global Gun Trade Thrives: Recent Example 40,000 Kalashnikovs to Kenya
14 October 2008
Time (World)
PARIS — Need to start a war? No problem. While stock markets gyrate and financial institutions (and even whole countries, like Iceland) teeter on bankruptcy, one global industry is still drawing plenty of high-end trades and profits: weapons.
In a Paris courtroom last week, 42 officials went on trial for taking millions in kickbacks and organizing huge arms commissions from the Angolan government during the mid-1990s. In the dock were such big names as Charles... (GunPolicy.org)
Hijacked Ukrainian Ship Linked to Sudan
30 September 2008
Financial Times
A pirate attack on a ship transporting military tanks off the coast of Somalia has connected two of Africa's worst conflict zones by throwing a spotlight on the south Sudanese army's rearmament programme.
Kenya has said the 33 Russian-made tanks on board the hijacked vessel were destined for its own armed forces, but its claims have been challenged by several sources who said they were to be transported through Kenya to south Sudan.
Last week's seizure of the... (GunPolicy.org)
African Nations Discuss Curbs on Gunrunning, Global Gun Trade Treaty
5 September 2008
African Press Agency
NAIROBI — A two-day conference which brought together ministers and civil society organizations from 50 African countries, United Nations officials and arms control groups to help form a united position on a convention on arms proliferation, ended in Nairobi on Thursday night with African countries agreeing to propose imposing sanctions to countries behind irresponsible arms transfers leading to the destabilization of African governments.
Speaking to reporters in... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Calls Influx of Illegal Guns 'Main Cause of Instability' in West Africa
3 September 2008
Xinhua
NAIROBI — Kenya said on Wednesday the proliferation of small arms and light weapons were the main cause of instability in the region.
Speaking at a meeting which brought together African ministers, UN disarmament officials and arms control groups in Nairobi, Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula blamed the influx of uncontrolled trade of arms in Africa to European and Asian countries.
Wetangula said Asian and European nations were taking advantage of the lack of a strong... (GunPolicy.org)
Loopholes Aid African Gunrunners: Kenya Touts Global Gun Trade Treaty
3 September 2008
African Press Agency
NAIROBI, Kenya — Serious arms proliferation in most African countries go unchecked due to loopholes in national laws, Kenya Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula said on Wednesday at the opening of an arms treaty conference in Nairobi.
Reading a speech on his behalf, his deputy Richard Onyonka said African countries lose $264 million annually in human life and economic potential due to arms proliferation.
He said conventional arms find themselves in African countries... (GunPolicy.org)
African Nations, UN Meet in Kenya to Canvass Global Gun Trade Treaty
3 September 2008
BBC News
African ministers are due to meet UN disarmament officials and arms control groups to help form a united position on a conventional arms trade treaty.
The talks in Nairobi have been called by the Kenyan government.
Arms control groups argue that Africa has lost billions of dollars in conflicts fuelled by unregulated weapons sales.
They also say that a proposed treaty could significantly reduce the human and economic cost.
Workable agreement
According to one... (GunPolicy.org)
High Demand for Guns Heightens Insecurity in Kenya's Pastoral Regions
7 August 2008
IRIN (UN News)
NAIROBI — The widespread availability of firearms in the northern regions of Kenya has exacerbated insecurity and more people are being killed during livestock raids.
At least 60 people died while another 15 were injured following clashes on 29 July between the Turkana and Pokot communities in northwestern Kenya, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).
"Most of the injured had bullet and [knife] wounds," said Anthony Mwangi, KRCS public relations manager.... (GunPolicy.org)
No Response Yet to UN Report on Gun Trafficking in Kenya
8 July 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Almost three months after the UN Security Council released a report saying a shipment of arms from Somalia had entered Kenya, the Government is yet to make its findings known.
When reached for comment Monday, police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said: "The report has not come to my attention". He requested for a copy to be faxed to him.
"That is a very sensitive report that I am not aware of. Sometimes everyone is so engrossed in their duties that when they get such... (GunPolicy.org)
African Nations Collaborate to Prioritise Crackdown on Gun Trafficking
10 June 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
African countries will develop a combined approach to deal with the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, an African Union (AU) official said on Monday.
AU director for peace and security department Geofrey Mugumya said African heads of states were committed to combating the problem jointly to help in taming internal conflicts which have torn apart some countries.
Addressing journalists on the AU commission conference in Mombasa, Mr Mugumya noted... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan Prison Warden Arrested Selling Ammunition in Nairobi Supermarket
29 May 2008
News24 (Cape Town)
NAIROBI — Kenyan police have arrested a prison warden who was caught selling ammunition in a Nairobi supermarket, says a spokesperson.
The warden attached to the capital's Kamiti maximum-security prison was detained on Wednesday after being caught red-handed, said police spokesperson Eric Kiraithe.
"Sixteen rounds of ammunition for a G3 rifle means utter devastation. The warden will be charged with illegal possession of ammunition," he said.
Kenyan security... (GunPolicy.org)
Concern Over Increase in Illegal Guns After Post-Poll Violence in Kenya
26 May 2008
IRIN (UN News)
NAIROBI — Very little has been done to check the increase in illegal guns in parts of Kenya that were hardest hit by the post-election crisis, an official of a peace and development NGO said on 23 May.
"The small arms problem is bigger at this point than at any other time in our country's history, especially owing to the post-election violence, which created new markets for illegal arms more than ever before," Mutuku Nguli, chief executive of the Peace and... (GunPolicy.org)
East African Nations Team Up to Curb Gun Smuggling, Trafficking
5 May 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
MBALE — Security chiefs from Uganda and Kenya have stepped up efforts to end persistent arms trafficking along the common border.
Last week, Uganda's and Kenya's joint border commissioners met in Mbale to fine-tune plans to stop the vice.
The Minister for Presidency, Dr Beatrice Wabudeya, also attended the meeting at Mbale Resort Hotel.
According to the army, the strategy is aimed at reducing gun-flow across the border. through cordial interactions between the... (GunPolicy.org)
Give Kenyans Guns: AK-47s Maintain Social, Economic, Political Equilibrium
26 April 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Opinion
NAIROBI — For decades, Kerio Valley and the adjoining areas have been rocked by intermittent ethnic violence but they have never produced an internal refugee. Yet Eldoret, Kericho, Kuresoi, Molo, Nakuru and the surrounding areas produced hundreds of thousands of displaced people after less than six weeks of post-election violence.
What is the difference between these two sets of volatile regions in the Rift Valley? The answer is simple; in Kerio, the communities... (GunPolicy.org)
Shootings, Gun Crime Bring Calls for Urgent Firearm Seizures in Kenya
25 April 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Residents and leaders in the larger Laikipia district have appealed to the Government to mop up illegal firearms in the area following a fresh wave of killings by bandits.
The call follows increased cases of murder, robbery and stock theft. Residents have been killed by bandits and cattle rustlers and hundreds of cattle, sheep and goats stolen. Laikipia West district commissioner, Fredrick Shisia estimates the number of illegal firearms in the area at... (GunPolicy.org)
East Africa,Kenya,Uganda,Tanzania,Rwanda,Burundi,Somalia,Sudan,Seychelles,Eritrea,Djibouti,Ethiopia,Congo (DRC)
East African Nations Will Mark All State-owned Guns to Reduce Leakage
21 April 2008
East African (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — All firearms in the Great Lakes Region, East Africa and the Horn of Africa will soon be marked with country codes, force code and serial numbers in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
A workshop organised by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and held recently on Kenya's South Coast was told that 12 manual arms-marking machines have already been purchased through funding from the US government and will be distributed to each... (GunPolicy.org)
Development Money to East Africa Fails to End Gun Trade Among Herders
17 April 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
LONDON — Donors have been asked to stop funding NGOs working for peace in northern Kenya because the money has failed to do anything to reduce conflicts between pastoralist communities.
Moreover, governments in East Africa have been challenged to do more to stop the proliferation of arms in the region. They have also been urged to work jointly to disarm all militia groups to improve security in the region.
These are the conclusions of two new studies on the... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,East Africa,Central Africa
Central, East African Nations Begin to Mark, Register and Trace Legal Guns
7 April 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Twelve African countries Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to the marking of all state-owned small arms and light weapons by end of this year.
The Regional Centre on Small Arms (Recsa) deputy executive secretary ambassador Tharcisse Midonzi said the 12 countries from the Great Lakes region, East Africa and Horn of Africa had also agreed to maintain data bases to ease the tracing of small arms and light weapons.
Mr Midonzi made the remarks at Leopard Beach Hotel... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,East Africa,Central Africa
Central, East African States Launch Gun Marking Scheme to Curb Trafficking
2 April 2008
East African Standard (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Kenya became the first country in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa to mark its small arms and light weapons.
During a symbolic ceremony that coincided with a regional workshop on small arms and light weapons marking and data management, equipment belonging to the Kenya Police was marked.
An expert from South Africa, Mr Anthony Coetzee, marked a G-3 rifle and a Ceska pistol using a Marking Press Machine.
Marking the firearms makes it easier to... (GunPolicy.org)
East, Central, North African Nations Meet to Trace, Intercept Illegal Guns
1 April 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
The Government will put in place mechanisms of tracing illicit firearms and gathering data that could lead to prosecution of illegal arms merchants.
Police commissioner Major-General Hussein Ali has said the mechanisms would be key in curbing the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) and help in containing insecurity.
He made the remarks at Leopard Beach Hotel when he officially opened a five-day regional small arms and light weapons marking... (GunPolicy.org)
Study Estimates 127,000 Illegal Guns Loose in Kenya's North Rift Districts
31 March 2008
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
The recent spate of violence in Laikipia District could be attributed to the proliferation of illegal arms in the region.
Laikipia is bordered by Baringo and Samburu districts, which are thought to have up to 25,000 small arms being held illegally.
In a book titled Terrorised Citizens by a retired Air Force officer and two university dons, Samburu is suspected to have 16,000 guns in the wrong hands with Baringo having about 7,000.
Profiles insecurity
The 2003... (GunPolicy.org)
'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout Had Gun Running Deals With East Africans
17 March 2008
East African (Nairobi)
Viktor Bout. His name has a sharp, staccato to it, much like the sound of an AK-47 shot. Dubbed the "Merchant of Death" by former British foreign office minister Peter Hain, the countries the Russian national has reputedly sold arms to — Liberia, Sierra Leone, Angola, Congo and others — read like a list of Africa's worst killing fields.
The UN and international human-rights activists say that those arms, obtained illegally or at rock bottom prices from rusting... (GunPolicy.org)
In Bid to Curb Vendettas, Kenyan Police Swap Handguns for Assault Rifles
23 February 2008
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Junior police officers in Nyanza have been ordered to surrender all small arms assigned to them.
The directive comes amid fears of misuse of the weapons to settle vendettas in the police force.
Local Provincial Police Officer (PPO), Mr. Anthony Kibuchi, confirmed that he had issued the order that pistols issued to junior officers be returned to respective armories adding that even under cover officers would be given assault rifles and not pistols.
The junior officers... (GunPolicy.org)
Mob Breaks Into Kenyan Police Armoury, Steals 12 Guns, Kills Officer
2 February 2008
East African Standard (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Four people, including a police officer, were killed in Kericho as arsonists struck at residential estates following the slaying of Ainamoi MP David Kimutai Too.
Three of them were shot dead by an Administration Police officer, who was later burnt alive by a mob that broke into an armoury at Ainamoi district officer's office and stole 12 firearms and ammunition.
The incident occurred on Thursday night — the day news of the MPs killing broke out.
A... (GunPolicy.org)
German Gun Maker Heckler & Koch Supplied Weapons Used in Kenya Crisis
1 February 2008
African Executive (Nairobi)
Hundreds of people have been killed during the recent post-election unrest in Kenya, many of them from bullet wounds. The UN-news-agency IRIN reported that in Kisumu alone, 44 people were shot dead, some of them apparently in the back on escaping. Many pictures from the fighting scenes carry the G3 assault-rifle of Heckler & Koch (H&K), the standard weapon of the Kenyan army and police for more than thirty years. According to the well-informed Jane's Intelligence, those... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda, Kenya, Sudan in Talks Over Arms Trafficking in Karamoja Region
15 January 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
Security chiefs from the governments of Uganda and South Sudan have started discussions to end the long persistent arms trafficking in the region.
According to the UPDF, the strategy is aimed at reducing gun flow in to Karamoja region and to ensure that the UPDF disarmament exercise achieves the 100 per cent result for peace in Karamoja.
The UPDF and local leaders in Karamoja region have on several occasions hinted that the greatest undoing to the disarmament... (GunPolicy.org)
Ugandan Military Announce Arrest of Gun Runner Sought for Past 5 Years
13 January 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
KARAMOJA — The UPDF's special intelligence squad against arms trafficking in Karamoja region have arrested a leading arms trafficker in Uganda and Kenya.
Livingstone Musoba, a Kenyan from Kipsongo, Kitale village whom both the Ugandan and Kenyan authorities have been hunting for five years was arrested on Tuesday in Uganda.
Information reaching Sunday Monitor indicates that Simon Cheprikei from Serendeti in Bukwo, who was Musoba's accomplice was also arrested. The... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns, Cattle Rustling Open Door to Wives and Wealth in Kenya, Uganda
16 December 2007
East African (Nairobi)
At only 34 years old, Lesekori Lemui is already a father of 19 from four wives. His eldest offspring is a 17-year old son.
What prompted him to start having children so early? At the tender age of 14, he was the proud owner of 20 heads of cattle, including 12 bulls acquired through cattle rustling. Two years later, that figure had grown sixfold.
Owning such a big herd, in Lemui's community, the Pokot, is affluence in itself. Custom demands that he share the vast... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Running Into Kenya: Govt Must Close the Loopholes Urgently
22 October 2007
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Editorial
The report on the proliferation of small arms, especially hand grenades capable of killing tens of innocent people with one casual toss, is chilling enough.
But when it is considered that the modern crook has not only become more sophisticated, but also more ruthless, the report should be enough to arouse great consternation among the public and it is a matter that should be addressed with all deliberate haste.
It is acknowledged that as long as neighbouring... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,Africa,United Nations,United Kingdom
Baby's Gun Death Sparks Family's Campaign to Curb Global Gun Violence
11 October 2007
Scotsman (Edinburgh)
Four years ago, on a warm summer evening in July 2003, a young Turkish woman was relaxing in a café in the fishing resort of Foca in south-west Turkey, her young son asleep in his pram beside her.
Ozlem Grimason had been enjoying a family holiday in her native country with her Scottish husband, David, and their two-year-old son, Alistair. David had just gone back to the couple's home in East Kilbride — a couple of days early, owing to work commitments — and Ozlem... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Guns, Gun Running Remain Serious Threats to Africa's Security
17 September 2007
South African Broadcasting Corporation
The proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues to pose threat to people's lives in countries in the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa and bordering states. The biggest challenge these countries face are porous borders of African countries.
Several arms have been confiscated by the Regional Centre on Small Arms (Recsa), an inter-governmental organisation coordinating the fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms. Recsa's technical... (GunPolicy.org)
East and Central African Nations Meet to Coordinate Gun Control Laws
11 August 2007
Guardian (Dar es Salaam)
ADDIS ABABA — Tanzania is among five countries in eastern Africa that have made much progress in streamlining national laws and regulations on the control of firearms and ammunition, according to a regional intergovernmental watchdog.
However, all countries of the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa need a broader strategy and strong legislation to deal with the public security challenge that is posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Calls for Stronger Laws to Curb Proliferation of Illegal Guns
10 August 2007
IRIN (UN News)
NAIROBI — The Kenyan government is grappling with rampant trafficking of illicit small arms and light weapons but needs to pass tougher laws to contain the problem, officials said.
"It is really hard to fight against because we do not know precisely where these arms are," Peter Munya, assistant minister for internal affairs, said on 10 August. "It also remains really hard to estimate how many of these illegal arms are circulating in the country — they could be... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Want Govt to Review, Stiffen Gun Law, Gun Crime Penalties
24 July 2007
Kenya Times
The Kenya police has decried the leniency of penalties meted out to offenders of illicit weapons and called for a comprehensive review of the Firearms Act Cap 114 with an aim of imposing harsher penalties to criminals.
The Director of Operations David Kimaiyo said yesterday the Act is outdated, hence the need for a drastic review that would mete out harsher penalties to offenders of illicit firearms.
"It is the considered opinion of Kenya Police that effective... (GunPolicy.org)
Nairobi Police Arrest Health Ministry Employee in Gun Trafficking Sting
24 July 2007
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — A Ministry of Health employee has been arrested in Webuye on suspicion of trading in firearms.
Police yesterday laid a trap for the clinical officer attached to Webuye hospital after a tip-off and allegedly found a pistol in his possession.
According to Webuye East district commissioner Julius Ngumo, police approached the health worker and asked to buy a firearm.
The clinical officer, believing that he had secured a good deal, walked right into the... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan Authorities Say Gun Law, Enforcement, Penalties Need Toughening
24 July 2007
East African Standard (Nairobi)
NAIROBI — Tougher measures to curb proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country have been proposed.
Stakeholders have called for the revision of the Firearms Act to ensure offenders are denied bail and harsher penalties for those who possess guns illegally.
Opening a two-day National and Provincial Firearms Officers sensitisation workshop in Nairobi on Monday, Director of Police Operations, Mr David Kimaiyo, said criminal incidences involving... (GunPolicy.org)
No Mr President, Illegal Guns Have Not Yet Gone Silent in Kenya
22 July 2007
East African Standard (Nairobi), Editorial
The Government is upbeat the war against the proliferation of small arms is about to be won. The President said as much on Friday.
His message was laden with optimism and he used the occasion first, cases of banditry in northern Kenya had gone down.
Second, he commended the Armed Forces for its role in the recent disarmament programme. Third, and which shows there is still a lot to be done, he again told the peddlers and purveyors of illegal arms time was up.
It... (GunPolicy.org)
East Africa, Great Lakes Nations Pledge Laws to Fight Spread of Illegal Guns
20 July 2007
African Press Agency
Harmonizing laws across East Africa and the Great Lakes region will enable governments to better fight the spread of small arms and light weapons, a regional workshop resolved on Friday.
In a communiqué issued in Nairobi, the Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA) said the harmonization of laws would stem what it termed as "astronomical proliferation" of light weapons such as assault riffles and pistols in the region.
At the opening of the RECSA workshop on... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan Military 'Forcefully Collected' 3,000 Guns in North Rift Disarmament
19 July 2007
East African Standard (Nairobi)
The Government has recovered more than 3,200 illegal firearms in North Rift. Rift-Valley Provincial Commissioner Mr Hassan Noor Hassan said about 3,000 assortments of guns were forcefully collected during the first phase of the disarmament exercise launched last year.
The administrator said residents surrendered the rest of the guns in the second phase of the disarmament.
Late last year, Government suspended the exercise following public outcry by leaders who claimed... (GunPolicy.org)
Government Acknowledges 'Astronomical Proliferation' of Guns in Kenya
19 July 2007
Voice of America
NAIROBI — Kenya's attorney general acknowledged Thursday that his country has seen what he called an astronomical proliferation of light weapons such as assault rifles and pistols. As Nick Wadhams reports from Nairobi, the trend in Kenya underscores the difficulty that African nations have had stemming the flow of small arms, which are used in conflicts across the continent.
Attorney General Amos Wako made the remarks during a workshop in Nairobi aimed at harmonizing... (GunPolicy.org)
Two Kenyan Government Ministers Caught Up in Illegal Gun Swoop
29 May 2007
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Two assistant ministers and a permanent secretary were caught up in a police crackdown on illegal firearms.
Mr Aden Sugow (Water and Irrigation) and Mr Abdirahman Hassan (Trade and Industry) as well as Education PS Karega Mutahi were driving from a function in Garissa when their convoy was stopped by the police at a roadblock in Tana River District.
The officers frisked bodyguards and searched the vehicles after their gun detector was activated as the convoy... (GunPolicy.org)
Torching Illegal Guns Was Fine, But Not the End to Kenyan Insecurity
5 April 2007
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Opinion
The Government recently set ablaze 8,000 of the estimated 100,000 illegal weapons recovered from gangsters, unlicensed handlers and immigrants fleeing strife-torn neighbouring countries.
Speaking during the occasion, Internal Security minister John Michuki said that the days of armed criminals were over, adding that the war to mop up the illegal guns will not stop. The firearms had been used in senseless murders, robberies and carjackings, among other crimes.
So far,... (GunPolicy.org)
Grave Loopholes Promote Movement of Guns to Illicit Possession in Kenya
3 April 2007
Kenya Times, Opinion
The grave loopholes that promote acquisition of small arms to illegal ownership were on Wednesday last week brought to the fore in a workshop held in Nairobi.
The scenario that portends looming danger for Kenyans in the hands of armed and violent gangsters became the hallmark of the deliberations with the minister for Internal Security John Michuki being accused of being slow in implementing an earlier drawn recommendations that would have since started bearing fruits... (GunPolicy.org)
Easy Access to Firearms, Gun Running Raise Insecurity Fears in Kenya
1 April 2007
Agence France Presse
NAIROBI — A rise in illegal arms trafficking has deepened insecurity fears in Kenya, already struggling to overcome its image as a crime-ridden country plagued by terrorism threats.
Once considered a relative island of stability amid regional conflicts in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, Kenya has suffered deadly terrorist attacks, in 1998 and 2002, ongoing tribal conflicts and a crime wave that claimed 50 lives in January alone.
Estimates of the number of... (GunPolicy.org)