My Sons Have Six Guns, Says Uhuru Kenyatta

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has denied allegations that his sons possess illegal firearms which the state is determined to repossess. 

The former Head of State has spoken out for the first time about the situation, narrating the ordeal his family has encountered amid claims by Kenya Kwanza leaders that the firearms were being misused. According to Mr Kenyatta, his sons applied for three guns each after their security was withdrawn last year. He had requested an extension of their security for one year to help them acclimate to their new lives but the request was denied. 

“I know there is no provision in law to extend the security of my children despite my request. I, therefore, encouraged them to apply and they followed due process. They went to DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) and even their fingerprints were taken before being issued with the licences,” he explained. 

Mr Kenyatta argued that his children needed the guns for protection since they were at risk. Speaking on Friday evening, Kenyatta criticized the police’s raid of his son’s home in an alleged search of firearms. He condemned the police for attempting to make entry into his son’s residence without permission. 

“My son Jomo applied for three guns for his family’s protection, which is also vital in the operations at our farm, with the open safari camps, in Narok County. My younger son has an interest in guns and it’s because of his hobby of shooting at birds in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme to scare them away. They are for animals and he applied after I was out of office.” Mr Kenyatta said. 

In his Friday address, Uhuru dared his successor to come for him rather than send a Subaru in his son’s place with South Sudanese number plates. He stated that he would do whatever it takes to protect his family. The incident came shortly after the security detail of former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta was removed. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the officers were searching for 24 guns in three Karen residences. However, President Kenyatta has since absolved his family of blame, arguing that the raid was an attempt to dodge being held accountable. He also expressed concern that his mother, who is entitled to government security, was impacted by the government’s actions.