Two suspects were on the night of Monday, July 10, shot dead by a licensed gun owner in Githunguri, Kiambu County, after being caught vandalizing cars.
Kiambu County Police Commander Perminus Kioi confirmed the incident to the media on Tuesday, July 11, stating that two other suspects managed to flee the scene.
The Police Commander revealed that the gang had gained a notorious reputation for targeting and assaulting residents at night. However, their streak came to an end when they encountered a gun owner who caught them red-handed.
"One of the tenants is a licensed firearm holder. When he confronted them, they became rude," he stated.
According to reports, the thugs abandoned the vehicle and advanced towards the tenant's direction prompting him to shoot. Sensing the danger, the two ran for their lives and sustained serious injuries in the process.
When the police arrived at the scene, it was discovered that one of the vehicles had been dismantled by the suspects, leaving several parts scattered on the ground.
The Police Commander warned that vandalism cases, particularly those targeting car parts had become rampant forcing residents to be always on the lookout.
"We are not going to allow criminals back in Kiambu. I have enough resources and officers to deal with these cases," Kioi stated.
He issued a stern warning to the gangs pitching camp in the region warning that the government would pull out all stops to ensure the safety of residents.
Crackdown
In April 2023, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) launched a crackdown on all spare parts dealers in the country. The agency revealed that poor-quality spare parts were increasingly becoming a leading cause of accidents in the country.
The NTSA expressed concern over the substandard nature of some of these parts, as well as the issue of stolen parts flooding the market.
Gun Ownership
To be a licensed gun holder in Kenya, one must go through the process stipulated in the Firearms Act.
The process begins with filling out a request at the local police station or the office of the OCS. The vetting process takes about three months.
Applicants are required to pay a small fee for the official certificate. Besides the fee, other requirements include; a letter from a psychiatrist, certified bank statements, a clearance letter from the police station, and a letter explaining why the individual wants a gun among other conditions.
