Anthony Mwangi @PeopledialyKe
The National Police Service has refused to renew gun licences for 86 MPs, People Daily can authoritatively report.
The guns were part of those returned for verification by the Firearms Licencing Board on the order of Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. National Assembly Security Committee chairman Paul Koinange said the lawmakers were now crying foul saying their lives were exposed.
He said Deputy Inspector General Edward Mbugua has declined to renew the licences because MPs have bodyguards and therefore there is no need for extra firearms.
“I have personally talked to Mbugua over the matter who has insisted that MPs have been given the option to either relinquish the bodyguards or the firearm,” Koinange said.
At least 100 MPs voluntarily surrendered their firearms for vetting and were cleared to continue holding them after the government directed all regional commanders to arrest anyone who failed to beat a 7-day deadline.
A highly placed officer at the firearms licensing board confirmed the development saying several other people including politicians, businessmen and lawyers who have been declared armed and dangerous will be arrested and charged for possessing illegal firearms.
Police have launched a manhunt for 4,293 gun owners who failed to honour a seven-day ultimatum to surrender the weapons.
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai declared the gun owners armed and dangerous and declared an operation to apprehend and disarm them.
Yesterday, majority of MPs were unwilling to be quoted for fear of exposing their security information. But Makueni MP Dan Maanzo while confirming he has never owned a firearm said he was contended with the services provided by his bodyguard.
“I am okay with a bodyguard, I have never owned a gun but it is my feeling that those who want to own one should be considered,” Maanzo said.
The Kiambaa MP said his committee will review the matter and have a talk with the Inspector General on the matter.
