President Uhuru Kenyatta has presided over the destruction of 8,700 illegal firearms and 366,000 pieces of assorted ammunition at the National Police Service College, Magadi Field Training Campus.
The President said Kenya is among the strongest proponents of international action to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and that the destruction of the firearms is an indication of the country’s commitment to strengthening regional, global peace and security.
“It is worth noting that, seizing of ammunition illegally held, is one of the measures that we, as a country, are undertaking to ensure and sustain security in the country,” said President Kenyatta.
He said today’s action is being conducted in line with the regulatory frameworks; and various regional and international legal instruments on the management of small and light weapons, to which Kenya is a signatory.
The Head of State added that the govt has streamlined gun licensing system in the country and advised Kenyans who wish to own firearms to follow laid out procedures. He said the govt has established a digital register of all civilian firearms holders and issued them with smart licenses.
Following the destruction, government has put on notice individuals in possession of illegally acquired weapons. It has said they will be treated as criminals and enemies of the state.
Kenyans however have no confidence in the threat;
“Instead of destroying them they could have given them to police reservists”-Lawi.
“Hehe never ending threats anyways we have two years to go”-Kamau Kimani.
“Tumezoea….kuambiwa…we need action”-Philip M Kihara.
“That notice already has many other things on it. There is no room to put any more individuals on it”-Mbugua Nduati.
Following the destruction of a stockpile of 8,700 firearms & 366,000 assorted ammunition in Kajiado by H.E. President Kenyatta, the government has put on notice individuals in possession of illegally acquired weapons that they will be treated as criminals & enemies of the state. pic.twitter.com/5Bk2nMYayT
— Wangui Muchiri (@WanguiMuchiri) November 19, 2019