President William Ruto's ally, Brenda Majune, on Friday, May 5, urged the head of state to adopt several US laws to curb protests led by Azimio party leader Raila Odinga.
Majune, who recently decamped from Azimio La Umoja, called for drastic measures to ensure the livelihoods and property of Kenyans are not destroyed in any other countrywide protest led by Raila.
"President William Ruto, this is my plea to you, let us go the American way. Allow people to defend themselves from trespassers. Give people permits to own firearms, especially business people," she suggested.
"At this point, the government must allow the citizens to protect themselves and protect their property," she added, explaining that such a drastic measure would derail Raila from organising protests.
According to Majune, Raila does not have Kenyans' interests at heart and only pursues his personal goals. She, thus, called for the arrest of the former Prime Minister if he reverted to protests in case the bipartisan talks fail again.
Other politicians and local businessmen who called for Raila's apprehension included Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungw'ah, one of the opposition's fiercest critics. Some Kenya Kwanza allies even pressure foreign powers to sanction Raila.
On Monday, May 1, the Jubilee faction in Nairobi led by Nairobi Branch Chair Mark Ndung'u also spoke against the protests, stating they were recording losses worth million.
Ndung'u, speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, threatened to organise counter-protests in case property is destroyed or loss of lives is recorded.
Meanwhile, Majune, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, on March 15, announced that she would form 'Daughters of His Excellency William Ruto' alongside First Daughter, Charlene Ruto.
The movement was set to empower the youth and disadvantaged women in arid and semi-arid areas to address climate change.
Raila Defends Azimio Protests.
Raila accused Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome of hiring goons to attack his supporters during the countrywide protests.
Azimio also alleged that the IG used armed plainclothes officers to harass supporters participating in peaceful demonstrations. The opposition further underlined that their followers were peaceful and were being used as scapegoats.
Other allegations raised were alleged assassination attempts against Raila and the withdrawal of opposition security.
Meanwhile, Ruto directed the IG to diligently protect the property of Kenyans and ensure their safety is enhanced.
Firearm Laws
According to political analyst Martin Andati, the Head of State has little to do with licensing firearm owners in the country. He added that the Firearms Act outlines procedures to own a firearm in Kenya, and anyone seeking one should follow suit.
"Trespassing is an offense, if someone comes to your business premises unauthorised, report to the police and do not take matters into your hands," he told Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, May 6.
He, however, warned that such a drastic measure would escalate protests and hamper peace talks.
In 2020, a campaign led by then-Interior CS, Fred Matiang'i, to vet gun owners afresh led to the destruction of 8,628 illegal firearms and 370,000 ammunition.
The former CS also directed all private firearm owners to register afresh, warning them against misuse of their firearms. The Firearms Act stipulates fines, including jail terms, for dealing in firearms without being registered, taking in pawn firearms or ammunition, and using and possessing firearms intending to commit any criminal offence.
Joe Biden and Reducing Gun Violence
President Joe Biden has been pushing for measures to curb gun violence in the US, including a clamp down on firearm sellers.
In March 2023, he issued an Executive Order to enforce existing laws against gun sellers who, knowingly or otherwise, currently fail to run the background checks they should.
