The National Assembly Committee on security on Sunday, March 7, weighed in on the Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi’s directive to withdraw gun licenses for politicians who misuse firearms.
The committee chairman Paul Koinange who was speaking in Garissa during an inspection tour of the Garissa police training college stated that the CS's decision was good for the country’s security.
“As a committee, I must admit that we are worried and concerned at the trend in which some of our colleagues are carrying themselves around. As a country, we have come from far in matters of security. We will be the first to support any directive that will help maintain peace and order,” Koinange said.
Koinange also added that the scenes witnessed during the Thursday, March 4, by-elections were regrettable coming and should not have come from leaders.
The Firearm Licensing Board has revoked the licenses of Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapodi on March 6, 2021.
The board further notified the two MPs to surrender their Firearm Certificates and the firearms at any nearest police station within 24 hours.
Reports of members of parliament allegedly misusing firearms have been reported in the past.
In 2018, the government revoked the firearm belonging to Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Simba Arati. However, the decision was reversed by the court and even his personal security restored.
The Embakasi East Member of parliament has an ongoing court case for allegedly misusing his firearm by shooting a B-Club Dejay on January 17, 2020. The incident was followed by his arrest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
Speaking on unrelated issues, Koinange said the committee is preparing a report to be tabled in parliament making recommendations on new changes in had hit regions.
The committee is advocating for an increase in the police station and improved housing since most police officers lives in poorly made houses.
According to Koinange, other requirements to be included in the report will include more vehicles for police as well as a standby helicopter to help the officers in being quick at responding to emergencies.
