Probe launched over loss of firearm by a civilian gun holder in Umoja, Nairobi
Detectives at Buruburu Police Station are investigating how a licensed civilian firearm holder lost his magazine loaded with thirteen bullets under unclear circumstances.
The businessman identified as Boniface Ojukwu claimed he left the city center, proceeded to church on his way and reaslised he had lost a gun magazine upon arriving home at Umoja Innercore area.
He told the police he was shocked to learn that the magazine was unbutted and magazine missing upon checking his porch.
Sleuths are yet to recover the magazine of Teyr Pistol serial number 3081518 under firearm certificate number 003702.
Cases of gun misuse by licensed civilian gun holders has been on the rise.
Last year, all private firearm holders were vetted afresh and given new licenses.
The decision was made in consultation with the National Security Advisory Committee.
In 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i appointed a seven-member new board team at the Firearms Licensing Board days after its disbandment and suspension of all gun licenses issued to civilians.
Charles Mwongera Mukindia is the chair the new board. They will serve for a period of three years.
This is the second time the CS is reviewing the board membership this year.
“The prior appointments made vide Gazette Notices Nos. 1619 of 2016, 10383 of 2017, and 3147, 7266 and 8536 0f 2018 are revoked.” A notification vide special issue dated yesterday read in part.
The reviewed board leadership comes in the wake of rising cases of gun misuse by licensed civilian firearm holders across the country and claims of issuance of guns to undeserving individuals
In October 2018, Matiang’i reviewed board membership by revoking appointment of three board members; Lilian Kiamba, Bernice Gachegu and William Sing’oei.
The board is charged with the mandate of certifying suitability of a member of the public to own a gun upon application.
It is also mandated to issue, cancel or terminate a license of a gun holder.
Late last year, detectives in Malindi launched probe into the circumstances under which a private licensed firearm holder shot his wife to the head while allegedly cleaning his gun without following the necessary precaution measures.
According to police sources, Omar Sharif Mohammed shot his fiancée Swalha Abdurahaman Salim aged 30 years on November 1, 2020 at 1427hours while taking at Mtangani suburbs within Malindi.
However, she miraculously and out of danger after doctors successfully removed the bullet lodged in her head.
Investigators seized the firearm, a Revolver Pistol and confiscated his firearm certificate pending investigations to conduct ballistic analysis of the firearm.
They were also keen to establish the motive behind the shooting.
