The Kenyan government has issued a directive to the Kenyatta family to surrender all registered firearms by Monday, July 24, to Karen Police Station.
This action follows a recent police raid at the home of Uhuru Kenyatta’s son, Jomo Kenyatta. The raid was in search of allegedly ‘illegally registered’ guns believed to have been used in recent protests.
According to the state, the Kenyatta family possesses 28 registered firearms. The police now claim that the guns are required for ballistic examinations.
The government aims to determine whether these firearms were used during the three-day anti-government protests.
The Interior Ministry has however not specified the consequences if the family fails to comply with the surrender order.
The Kenyatta family holds significant influence and wealth in Kenya. Their portfolio of investments spans various sectors, including real estate, milk processing, education, and extensive land holdings.
Friday’s raid marked the first time the government has targeted the family of the former President. The former president Uhuru Kenyatta had a falling out with President William Ruto during his last term.
Ruto and his allies have accused Uhuru of financing the anti-government protests led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga. The former president has however firmly denied these allegations.
Uhuru Kenyatta has questioned the government’s motive for targeting his family and involving his name, despite having retired and peacefully handed over power.
He expressed his displeasure, stating, “If I am the problem, just come for me. My silence doesn’t imply fear. Come directly for me. Why involve my mother or my son in whatever is happening? Is it a crime for me to associate with Raila?”
If I am the problem, just come for me. My silence doesn’t imply fear. Come directly for me.
Former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, however, defended the police raid. He clarified that it was part of a broader operation targeting firearm holders.
“Today (Friday’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 stated.
The targeted firearm holders are suspected of providing guns to support violent protests and engage in illegal activities.
During the current operation, police have reportedly recovered 23 guns from the other two homes in Karen, Nairobi. Sauce News was however unable to confirm which these other homes are at the time of going to print.
As the situation unfolds, the government’s move to conduct ballistic examinations on the surrendered firearms is seen as part of the ongoing efforts to address the unrest and tensions arising from the protests in Kenya.
