Uhuru’s son firearm license case is ‘hot air’ – AG
Attorney General Justin Muturi has contested a case filed by Jomo Kenyatta, the son of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, because he has not provided sufficient evidence to support his claims that his firearm license was revoked.
The Attorney General supported the Firearm Licensing Board’s request to dismiss the case because it was based on speculation.
In court documents, State Counsel Munene Wanjohi criticized Jomo Kenyatta for not having exhausted all available remedies under the Firearms Act before filing suit.
“Courts must not be burdened with matters where the law has provided alternative mechanisms for dispute resolution,” he said.
Wanjohi argues that a party can only initiate such proceedings and be heard by the courts after such mechanisms have failed.
“The prayers sought by Jomo are premature as there is no evidence presented by him to prove the state intends to indiscriminately revoke his firearm license or that we are on the verge of confiscating his firearms,” he said.
In court documents filed roughly two months ago, Jomo requested an injunction prohibiting the chief licensing officer and the licensing board from seizing his firearm.
Also sought was an order to invalidate their decision to arbitrarily and without due process revoke his license.
Justice Jairus Ngaah subsequently suspended a decision by the Chief Licensing Officer and the Firearm Board seeking to revoke Jomo’s firearm license or demanding the surrender of firearm license no. 0000530 or the firearm held under that license without complying with the Firearms Arms Act, Cap 114’s due process requirements.
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The order was issued after Jomo told the court that on July 21, when officers demanded his gun surrender, no reason was given.
“On inquiry as to the reasons if any, that had caused an abrupt demand for my firearms, the offices feigned ignorance,” Jomo said.
He expressed concern about a possible use of coercion, which is why he is imploring the court to intervene.
Rashid Yakub, chairman of the Firearm Licensing Board, denied every allegation and stated that they have no intention of revoking Jomo’s firearm license.
“I’m a stranger to the happenings of July 21 and confirm that I did not instruct any police officers to raid Jomo’s residence and the request by the so-called police officers to surrender his firearms and license is alien to me,” Yakub’s affidavit reads in part.
He affirmed that the board has not revoked Jomo’s license or seized his firearms and that the board has no plans to do so.
Yakub concurred with the state attorney that the application should be denied because the firearms licensing board has not abused its authority or power and continues to act lawfully.
The judge extended the orders and set the hearing date for December 5, 2023.
Uhuru’s son firearm license case is ‘hot air’ – AG
