Nakuru Town MP Samuel Arama was on Wednesday, July 19, forced to draw his gun on protestors after an angry crowd of demonstrators vandalised his hotel.
The MP's agitation and visible fury were evident as protesters began pelting stones at the multiple-storey hotel located in Rhonda Ward, Nakuru, causing damage to windows during the process.
The legislator emphasised that it was wrong to destroy property and urged the protestors to demonstrate peacefully.
However, the protestors were angered by the MP's use of force and his decision to brandish his weapon on them despite having backed him to the last man in the 2022 general election.
"We are all Kenyans, also voted for Raila but he lost to William Ruto. Why should these people destroying property not get shot? he questioned.
The demonstrators however denied vandalising any property in the area and urged the police to offer security to the protestors who were exercising their democratic right to picket.
In a viral video, the residents were seen surrounding the MP's vehicle parked in the street.
In a statement, the Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) condemned the MP's behaviour adding he had demonstrated a threat to public safety.
"We urge the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and relevant authorities to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and the thoroughness it deserves. Failure to take prompt action would undermine public trust and confidence in our democratic institutions," read part of the statement.
The incident occurred on the first day of the three-day demonstrations staged by the Azimio coalition.
President William Ruto accused opposition leader Raila Odinga of being a saboteur and abandoning the bipartisan talks and taking the easier option of taking the 'talks' to the street.
Owning a Gun in Kenya
Anyone seeking to own a gun in Kenya must follow the process stipulated in the Firearms Act. Interested persons must make an application at the local police station, explaining why they require a gun.
Some of the documents required during the process include a police clearance certificate, a letter from a psychiatrist, a certified bank statement on source of income, national ID, and clearance from the nearest police station among others.
It takes about three months to process the application. Applicants are required to pay a small fee for the official certificate.
