Kenya leads regional push against gun violence

As smoke billowed from piles of illegal weapons in Nairobi, Kenya's President William Ruto promised to work toward a future free from gun violence.

In a show of regional unity, Ruto, who is also the chairman of the East African Community or EAC, led the public destruction of over 6,000 illicit firearms in a bid to combat armed violence in the region.

The event, marking 20 years since the establishment of the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons or RECSA, took place on Friday. Ruto explained that the weapons were seized from volatile areas in Kenya's northeastern, upper eastern and Kerio Valley regions.

Representatives from 15 RECSA member states, including Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania, attended the event.

"Illegal arms in the hands of criminals lead to chaos, violence and weaken the rule of law," Ruto stated.

"The destruction of these firearms sends a clear message that we will not allow violence to take hold in our communities. We remain committed to disarming those who threaten our peace."

The weapons were recovered between 2022 and this year, either surrendered through government amnesty programs or seized during targeted security operations.

President Ruto praised the security forces and members of the communities for their efforts, noting that many of the destroyed weapons were handed over by citizens in response to national amnesty campaigns.

"This shows increased public confidence in our government's commitment to maintain order and protect lives," he said, stressing the role of religious and community leaders in the initiative's success.

The event marked a significant step in the African Union's flagship initiative, "Silencing the Guns by 2030", which aims to end wars and conflicts, prevent genocide and create conditions for Africa's development.

Kenya also expressed plans to ratify international treaties like the Arms Trade Treaty to align with global arms regulation standards.

"I urge all government institutions to start the necessary processes to integrate Kenya into global arms control frameworks that match our national interests and security needs," Ruto said.

However, Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned against implementing isolated disarmament efforts in regions with porous borders and easy cross-border arms movement.

"It makes no sense for one country to disarm itself while its neighbors are filled with illegal weapons," Murkomen said. "That's why we are working towards a consistent policy across all RECSA member states to secure our region together."

The Kenyan government also emphasized the importance of strict oversight of government arms to prevent misuse or diversion.

RECSA Executive Secretary Jean Pierre Betindji praised Kenya for its ongoing support of the organization, terming it "a pillar of strength" that has allowed RECSA to fulfill its mission since its establishment.

"Today's destruction of over 6,000 firearms symbolizes our progress," Betindji said. "Each weapon destroyed is a step toward stability and reduces threats to peace and development in our region."

He stressed the need for continued regional cooperation and encouraged member states to reaffirm their commitment to the Nairobi Protocol, which guides arms control efforts in Eastern and Southern eastern Africa.