Uhuru Son’s Karen Home Raided by Police: The Inside Story
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the police conducted the assault on the residence of President (Rtd.) Uhuru Kenyatta’s son.
Kindiki stated in a statement issued on Friday evening, July 21, that the operation targeted three residences in the wealthy neighborhood, including that of Jomo Kenyatta.
Police reportedly sought to determine if weapons, including firearms and crude weapons, used to fuel violence during violent uprisings were supplied by a vast network of civilian firearm owners and gang leaders with a history of criminal activity.
“This afternoon, an operation targeting three Karen homesteads containing a total of 23 firearms, some of which are believed to have been used in illicit activities, was conducted.
“Today’s operation is part of a larger operation that targets dozens of gun owners who are reasonably suspected of using firearms not only to support violent protests, but also for other illegal activities,” Kindiki stated.
He added that credible suspicions exist that civilian firearms and crude weapons were used to injure law enforcement personnel and civilians alike during the recent violence.
“While the Police have intensified their crackdown on criminal gang leaders who have been commanding criminals to terrorize the public, law enforcement agencies have launched a nationwide operation to ensure those licensed to possess firearms comply with the relevant laws,” Kindiki said.
The CS also emphasized that the raid was necessitated by the arrest of a prominent individual accused of plotting to disseminate crude weapons to criminals during the three days of violent protests.
Intelligence reports alleged that the aforementioned individuals planned to create dread and panic by wreaking havoc on the public, although Kindiki’s statement is the only concrete evidence to support these claims.
Police reportedly seized fourteen machetes, twenty-four blades, forty-six rungus, and over three hundred sachets of various narcotics, including cannabis sativa and cocaine.
Documents describing the distribution of Ksh42 million across Nairobi, Central, and Rift Valley regions were also discovered with him. The operation will continue to target civilian gun owners in Nairobi and other parts of the country who may be endangering our national security with their armaments.
“The operation is purely of a security nature, and neither its politicization nor sensationalization will deter law enforcement agencies from ensuring the safety and stability of the country,” the former senator from Tharaka Nithi added.
In defense of the raid, the CS cited the Firearms Act (CAP 114) of the Laws of Kenya, which he argued authorizes security agencies to inspect premises where firearms are stored and require civilian firearm holders to produce their firearms for inspection and ballistic examination when it is reasonably suspected that such firearms or ammunition may have been used or expended in violation of the law.
Govt Defends Police
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah, speaking in Murang’a County during Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour, alleged that suspects shot at police who were quelling riots in Kangemi, Nairobi.
Both he and Kindiki claimed that the nationwide protests posed a threat to the lives of police officers.
“We extend our gratitude and praise to our dedicated security forces for their great efforts in protecting the peace, lives, and properties of peace-loving Kenyans during a period when criminals, under the guise of picketing, posed a threat to our democratic, economic, and social fabric,” Kikuyu MP Ichungw’ah said.
President Ruto praised the police further and pledged to defend them from detractors.
Uhuru promises to defend His Family
Meanwhile, on the evening of Friday, July 21, Uhuru raced to his son’s house after receiving frantic calls from him, fearing for his safety.
The fourth president complained that the government was determined to intimidate him by targeting his family members.
He questioned why the officers went to his son’s residence at night in foreign-licensed vehicles without a search warrant.
In addition, the former head of state vowed to safeguard his family even if the current regime decides to remove all security precautions.
Uhuru Son’s Karen Home Raided by Police: The Inside Story
