Over the weekend, police officers are alleged to have raided former President Uhuru Kenyatta's son Jomo's Karen home over claims that he is in possession of illegal firearms.
Since then, top government officials and politicians allied to the ruling Kenya Kwanza government have trained their guns on the former President, accusing him of illegally owning over 20 guns.
But how exactly can one own a gun legally in Kenya?
Here is a step-by-step process simplified for you.
Firstly, one has to first express interest in owning a gun by making an application to the officer in charge of licensing firearms.
The applicant will fill out a form from the Chief Licensing Officer at the firearms office, in Nairobi.
Applicants must also have a certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
The application form will then be deposited at a nearby police station at a fee of Sh2,000.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Firearms Licensing Board(FLB) will then do the vetting.
They can either reject or approve an application.
If the board approves one's application, the successful name will be sent to the Inspector General of Police.
The IG has the authority to decline the application or reject it.
Should the IG approve the application, the FLB will issue the applicant with a license which is renewable annually.
When a person loses their firearm(s) or ammunition gets destroyed, they should report to the nearest police station immediately.
Failure to which they will be liable to one-year imprisonment or pay a fine not exceeding Sh10,000.
When the person licensed to have a gun dies, the family should immediately inform the police who will surrender it to the Nairobi-based firearms bureau.
If a family member wants to possess the firearm, then they will undergo the application procedure.
Why the application may be rejected
An application to own a gun might be rejected if the applicant
· Is Insane
· Is temperamental
· Cannot handle or store a gun safely
Reasons for revocation of gun license
·Misusing a gun while drunk
·Storing it carelessly may endanger others
·Removing the gun's serial number
·Misconduct
·When one fails to renew their licence
·When the gun holder is believed to be a threat to public safety and peace
An applicant can appeal to the IG for their case to be reviewed if the license is revoked.
