Eastleigh at a Standstill Over Guns Claim by Wamatangi

Senator Wamatangi during a senate committee meeting.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi during a senate committee meeting.

Eastleigh residents held protests over remarks made by Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi during a media interview on November 19.  

The Kiambu senator made the remarks during a national security program stating that the area has easy access to weapons and one can access a gun for as low as Ksh 1,000.

Wamatangi also stated that the area has all sorts of weapons adding that there is a wide variety to choose from. His sentiments caused a public uproar that influenced protests by residents.

The residents protested demanding an apology from the senator with different leaders also condemning the lawmaker.

Residents gathered for a protest in Eastleigh, Nairobi on May 11, 2020
Residents gathered for a protest in Eastleigh, Nairobi on May 11, 2020
Citizen Digital

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan Abdi termed the remarks as baseless and called out the lawmaker asking him to apologize.

''We have come out to show that we are a peace-loving business community who are playing a big part in the country's economy and politics.

''We have asked the senator to apologize immediately. He should go to all the media houses. He made false accusations against the community in Eastleigh," he remarked.

At the same time, Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho also castigated the senator stating that it was unfair for leaders to make insensitive remarks over different people in the country.

He stated that Eastleigh residents should be treated just like other Kenyans and should not be perceived in the wrong way as they also have a right to own businesses just like other Kenyan citizens.

"The people of Eastleigh are Kenyans just like other Kenyans, and they have a right to businesses just like other Kenyans. If you do not understand the business then sit out," the Mombasa Governor remarked.

Additionally, women leaders in attendance also defended the area residents stating that they demand respect towards the Eastleigh community.

The Kiambu senator is yet to give a response on the matter.

 

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