Dhadho Godhana has urged residents of Madogo and Bangale to surrender illicit firearms, warning that insecurity and inter-community fighting will block investment and jobs. Speaking during a public baraza in Tana River North, the governor said he is ready to support the national gun-mopping exercise launched in January 2026 and to visit every village to speed up compliance. Local coverage and officials confirm the appeal and note recent progress under the amnesty.
Security drive gains traction
Area county commissioner Joseph Mwangi said security operations have reduced incidents and that residents in Bangale Sub-County have surrendered 11 illegal guns since January. Earlier, the National Police Service of Kenya reported voluntary handovers in Tana North on 12 January as part of the multi-agency effort. An amnesty is a time-bound offer to surrender prohibited items without prosecution. Authorities asked communities to report criminal activity and stop sheltering bandits.
Tana River gun amnesty: what residents were told
Godhana asked locals to “give up the guns” and focus on trade. He outlined plans for a “double-business corridor” in Madogo with a drainage master plan, walkways, a new market and a clean-water system aligned to the Tana River. He also cited private interest in housing and health investments across county towns. Officials urged residents to use the amnesty window while it remains in force, stressing that lasting peace is the basis for the promised projects.
Drought pressure and resource conflicts
The National Drought Management Authority and partners warn that prolonged dry conditions are intensifying competition over water and pasture, raising the risk of clashes in arid and semi-arid areas. National updates this month describe a rapidly escalating drought emergency after failed short rains in late 2025. Independent reporting also highlights NDMA concerns that scarcity can fuel violence. These dynamics frame the county’s disarmament push.
Recent violence still in focus
Officials referenced deadly clashes late last year and said investigations continue. County leaders want to mediate disputes between livestock keepers and farming communities and to pair security operations with economic measures. Media from the coast region has documented recurring tensions and intermittent fatalities since December, prompting closer national oversight.
What happens next
The site security team, led by the county commissioner, pledged more patrols and community meetings while the amnesty runs. Residents were told to cooperate with the multi-agency operation and to share information on illegal weapons. Authorities say public support is growing, citing the recent returns in Bangale and Tana North. Progress on the gun mopping will be reviewed alongside drought relief and local investment plans announced by the county leadership.
