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Three suspects, including a Member of County Assembly (MCA), have been arrested following a police operation in Nairobi that led to the recovery of a pistol and ammunition allegedly held without a valid licence.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives conducted an operation in the Roasters area and recovered a pistol together with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the firearm was allegedly being possessed without the required legal documentation.
In a statement, the DCI said the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue and preparations for court proceedings are underway.
“With the pistol and its ammunition now secured as exhibits, the trio remains in custody as detectives process them in preparation for court proceedings,” the agency said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns surrounding illegal firearms and their potential impact on public safety.
The DCI warned that unlawful possession of firearms remains a serious offence and pledged continued enforcement against individuals found violating firearms regulations.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reiterates that unlawful possession of firearms poses a significant threat to public safety,” the agency stated, adding that those found in breach of firearms laws “will face the full force of the law.”
Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the origin of the firearm or the circumstances under which it was allegedly acquired, saying investigations are ongoing.
The suspects are expected to be presented before court as investigators finalise their inquiries and prosecutors determine the appropriate charges, if any.
Under Kenyan law, possession of a firearm without a valid licence is a criminal offence, with penalties depending on the findings of investigations and the determination of the court.
The suspects have not publicly responded to the allegations and remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
