The Bouncers Association of Kenya has appealed to the government to allow its members to use firearms and train them on how to use guns.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 17, the members of the association stated that they face threats from other gun holders in their line of work.
Additionally, the bouncers demanded that the government trains its employees in various security skills, such as handling assault weapons for self-defense while at work.
“Our members deal with people with licensed firearms and unlicensed firearms. We deal with robbers and terrorists and all kinds of threats.”
“It is very important for members of our association to know basic gun safety practices,” a member of the group stated.
Moreover, the bouncers asked the government to address their welfare, as they play a key role in society.
The representatives of the association explained that the government ought to ensure that the rights of all its members and their place in society are properly secured.
“Some of us have not done anything else in our lives apart from being security personnel, we need to remain safe while working.”
“This job allows many of us to put food on the table,” one of the association representatives stated.
This came on the backdrop of complaints by security personnel of the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) on Monday, January 9, who lamented a move by the government that revoked their licenses, allowing only 183 licensed security firms to operate.
PSIA chairman, Cosmas Mutavain in an interview with the media stated that thousands of private security officers would lose their jobs yet no viable reason was given for the move.
"These security firms have been in operation for over 40 years. They have not been given reasons why they should not be allowed to operate in the country "Mutavain lamented.
