Interior CS Fred Matiang'i was shocked after a man surrendered a total of 30 guns in the ongoing vetting and amnesty by the Firearms Licensing Board against illegal firearm holders until April.
According to People Daily, the prominent personality brought 10 shotguns, 18 assault riffles, and a handful of pistols and revolvers.
CS Matiang'i and other senior State security were reportedly left in disbelief as the man unpacked and displayed his collection to the the Firearms Licensing Board officials.
The Interior CS expressed his shock at the number of specialised high-calibre firearms in the hands of civilians.
The Firearms Licensing Board chair Charles Mukindia displayed the cache of guns and ammunition to the media.
"I want to caution some people holding semi-automatic and machine guns that they are a reserve of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other specialised forces," the chair cautioned.
The alleged gun dealer reportedly returned the guns after his clients raised concern since the guns were not registered with the government.
"This is not a gun land and we will not allow people to run all manner of businesses even dealers who are selling and distributing firearms must be licensed by the board," the CS stated.
Matiangi further blasted civilians using guns as showoff toys or as an expression of machismo.
This was in likely reference to the scenario on January 15 during the Dusit D2 terror attack at 14 Riverside.
During the Riverside Drive attack, Steve Mbogo, a city politician, showed up wearing a bulletproof vest and displaying a semi-automatic rifle.
This is despite the fact that he was not actively participating in the rescue and evacuation efforts consequently earning him a summon by the police.
So far, the Firearms Licensing Board has requisitioned 340 firearms and 5,371 assorted ammunition and cancelled 36 licenses issued irregularly in the ongoing vetting exercise.
