Two governors, as well as over 100 lawmakers, have made their way to the nearest police stations and Firearm Licencing board offices to return their unlicensed guns.
Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja, Garissa counterpart Ali Korane and Kangema MP Muturi Kigano are reported to have led the pack and surrendered their rifles.
It turned out that the police are planning a widespread crackdown on those who continue to hold on to firearms without necessary clearance.
This comes after the expiry on the 7-day ultimatum that ended on July 4, issued by the Interior ministry Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
Both Firearms Licensing Board and police stations across the country have had a busy week after Matiang’i declared those who were yet to comply with the directive to undergo regularisation as "armed and dangerous."
However, the CS's directive was not taken lightly by the legislators claiming it would expose them to dangerous criminals.
“Such declarations by the Licensing Board are unfair to us. You recall that all our licenses were invalidated and we are in the process of complying. What is the hurry for?" questioned Mumias East MP, Ben Washiali..
"We have a history of MPs being killed by thugs, how much risk will they be faced with when everyone knows that they are not armed? Having a gun is itself a deterrent measure,” complained Washiali.
Previously, Police IG Hillary Mutyambai ordered a crackdown on all firearm holders who skipped vetting.
In a letter shared through the National Police Service's social media handles on June 5, the IG ordered all regional commanders to begin recovering the firearms estimated to be 4,293 in number.
