Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said a security operation targeting civilian firearm holders has been launched in Nairobi and other parts to ascertain rightful owners and whether they are used to jeopardize internal security.
Kindiki issued a statement yesterday night following a siege at the residence of raid retired president Uhuru Kenyatta son’s in Karen last night but never made reference to the incident.
Kindiki said officers searched three premises within the prestigious estate where 23 firearms were recovered.
According to the minister, the firearms are suspected to have been used for illegal activities.
“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.” Kindiki said.
Uhuru Kenyatta dared his successor president William Ruto to go after him directly and stop targeting his family saying he will defend his kinsmen “to the end.”
Speaking at his eldest son Jomo Kenyatta’s residence in Karen after people claiming to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided the home riding in a Subaru motor vehicle with foreign registration numbers, a visibly furious Uhuru lashed out at Ruto accusing him of waging a needless political war against him.
“The fact that I have been silent doesn’t mean I am scared. Come for me. What does my mother have to do with anything? What does my son have to do with anything?”. The former president posed.
Responding to the question whether he believes the incident had anything to do with the ongoing protests, the former president had this to say.
“Unfortunately I have no other explanation to give because all these things are flowing in a row. I have had people who have been guarding my mother for the last 50 years withdrawn at night, I have now a situation where my son’s home is being raided for things I don’t understand. So I ask myself what does this government want.” Uhuru remarked.
Uhuru further cited recent instances in the country that allude to the State having an agenda against him, including the withdrawal of security officers attached to his mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta, as well as a threat by Trade, Industry and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria to storm his Ichaweri home and relieve himself there.
“All of these things are flowing in a row. I have a whole minister of government saying that he’s going to do I don’t know what in front of my mother’s house. I have people who have been guarding my mother for the last 50 years withdrawn at night. I have now a situation where my son’s home is being raided for things that I don’t understand,” he stated.
“So I ask myself, what does this government want? Because if it wants me, the fact that I’ve been silent doesn’t mean I’m scared, come for me.” Uhuru remarked.
He added: “What does my mother have to do with anything? What do my children have to with anything? Kama shida yenu ni mimi, I’m here. They know where I am 24/7. Why all this, intimidate a 90-year-old woman and children? If it is me you want, come and tell us
Kindiki further alleged that the firearms were used during the anti-government demos and were supplied by civilian gun holders.
He also asserted that the police will carry on with the operation to recover all guns from persons suspected to have supplied them to violent protesters and other persons.
“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 of sensationalisation will deter law enforcement agencies from ensuring that the country remains safe and stable.” Kindiki said.
While addressing the media last evening after the impromptu raid, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta wondered why the government was looking to take away his children’s weapons.
“How many people in Kenya have licensed weapons even foreigners? We followed the procedure. So you withdrew their security so they are not supposed to defend themselves? What more do you want now?” Uhuru posed.
The former head of state said he will defend his family as he did the country when he was president.
“I defended Kenya and I did my best for this country. You may have different opinions but according to me, I did the best I could do for my country and I handed over when my time was finished. I will now do my best to defend my family and I won’t be intimidated.” Uhuru added.
