Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the raid on President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta's son's home was conducted by the police.
Kindiki, in a statement released on Friday night, July 21, stated that the operation targeted three homes in the affluent neighbourhood, including Jomo Kenyatta's.
Police reportedly sought to establish whether weapons, including firearms and crude weapons which were used to fuel violence during violent riots, were supplied by a wide network of civilian firearm holders and leaders of known criminal gangs.
"Today afternoon, an operation has been going on targeting three homesteads within the Karen area where a total of 23 firearms, some of which are suspected to have been used in illegal activities are kept.
"Today's operation is part of a broader operation targeting scores of firearm holders who are reasonably suspected to be availing firearms not only for purposes of supporting violent protests but also for other illegal activities," Kindiki claimed.
He added that civilian firearms and crude weapons were credibly suspected to have been used to harm law enforcement personnel and civilians alike during the violence that has been experienced recently.
"While the Police have intensified their crackdown on the criminal gang leaders who have been commanding criminals to reign terror on the public, the law enforcement agencies have rolled out a nationwide operation, pursuant to their mandate of regulation, control, and management of civilian firearm holders to ensure that those licensed to possess weapons abide by the relevant laws," Kindiki stated.
The CS further emphasised that the raid was necessitated by the arrest of a prominent individual who was accused of planning to distribute crude weapons to criminals during the last three days of violent protests.
Intelligence reports alleged that the said individuals were planning to wreak havoc on the public to create fear and panic, allegations which are yet to be backed by concrete evidence other than Kindiki's statement.
Police reportedly seized 14 machetes, 24 swords, 46 rungus, and over 300 sachets of assorted narcotic drugs, including cannabis sativa and cocaine.
"Also found with him, were documents describing the distribution of Ksh42 million across Nairobi, Central, and Rift Valley regions. The operation will proceed to cover civilian firearm holders in Nairobi and other parts of the Country, who may be using the weapons in their possession to jeopardize our national security.
"The operation is purely of a security nature and neither its politicization nor sensationalisation will deter law enforcement agencies from ensuring that the Country remains safe and stable," the former Tharaka Nithi Senator added.
In defence of the raid, the CS cited the Firearms Act (CAP 114) of the Laws of Kenya which he argued authorizes security agencies to inspect premises where firearms are kept and requires civilian firearm holders to produce them for inspection and ballistic examination where it is reasonably suspected that such firearms or ammunition may have been used or expended outside the law.
Govt Defends Police
While speaking in Murang'a County during Ruto's Mt Kenya tour, Kimani Ichungw'ah, the National Assembly Majority leader, claimed that suspects shot at the police who were quelling riots in Kangemi, Nairobi.
His statement coincided with Kindiki's, as they both alleged that the lives of police officers were endangered during the nationwide protests.
"We extend our gratitude and praise to our dedicated security forces for their great efforts in protecting the peace, lives and properties of peace-loving Kenyans during a period when criminals, under the guise of picketing, posed a threat to our democratic, economic, and social fabric," Ichungw'ah, who doubles as Kikuyu MP stated.
President Ruto further praised the police and promised to defend them against critics.
Uhuru Vows to Protect His Family
Meanwhile, on Friday night July 21, Uhuru rushed to his son's home after the latter made frantic calls, cautious of his safety.
The fourth president complained that the government was hellbent on targeting his family members in an effort to intimidate him.
He questioned why the officers went to his son's house at night in vehicles with foreign number plates and failed to present a search warrant.
The former head of state further vowed to protect his family even if the current regime decides to withdraw all their security details.
