Principal Secretary for Crop Development Kello Harsama has refuted claims that his son was arrested with a gun and 13 bullets in Murang'a, threatening to sue Nation Africa over a story that reported the alleged arrest.
Nation Africa on Tuesday reported that a Roba Kellio Philip, who the publication alleged to be the PS's son, was apprehended in Murang'a with a firearm that he was holding on behalf of his father.
The PS in a statement on Tuesday claimed that the report was malicious and not true.
"This is absolute malice from the Nation newspaper. They will have to prove every bit of the story...fact by fact. I have instructed my lawyer and we are moving to court to file libel. We will seek justice from impunity," the PS stated.
Libel is the publishing of false statements that damages a person's reputation.
The Nation Africa publication reported that Kellio Philip was tracked from Isiolo town after a National Intelligence Service (NIS) brief showed that three people had boarded and one was armed and unruly.
Kenyans.co.ke could not independently verify the report of the NIS brief about Kellio Phillip.
According to the story, the car was intercepted in Murang'a and the occupants were taken into custody for questioning.
Police raised questions over the validity of the firearm license that Kellio Phillip had, which he explained was for his father, according to the news report.
The report further indicated that the police found two bullets missing, but after questioning released the trio who continued with their journey.
The PS has not indicated when he will move to court but in his statement revealed that he had already instructed his lawyers to take action against Nation Africa.
If the report is true, this would not be the first time a prominent person was arrested over a firearm.
Top government officials, politicians, and their children have found themselves on the wrong side of the law on numerous occasions, with some brandishing guns during altercations.
