Tough talking Marwa says government to recover guns being misused by Coast barons

Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa address journalists in his office on January 11, 2017. He said that an operation targeting the entire region seeking to recover illicit guns will start soon as the country prepares for the general elections. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Marwa said the action is intended to ensure the country goes to the general election in August “when there is law and order”.
  • He said the operation started two weeks ago and it will now focus on the entire Coast region.
  • He described the upmarket Nyali as most notorious for having illicit firearms.
  • His remarks came a day after Senator Hassan Omar raised the alarm over alleged misuse of firearms by some licensed individuals.

The government is working on recovering illegal guns in the Coast ahead of the August general election.

Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa said Wednesday that the operation will mainly target licensed owners, especially VIPs, who are abusing the privilege.

Speaking at a news briefing in his boardroom at Uhuru na Kazi building, Mr Marwa said the action is intended to ensure the country goes to the general election in August “when there is law and order”.

“If you have been given a gun, then use it properly because the government is on the lookout. Those misusing them, know that we are coming for you.

"We cannot go to an election with everyone having a gun, someone has a lot of firearms where he hides some in his thighs, hides others on the ankle. What have you stolen for you to have such a protection?" posed Mr Marwa.

He added: "What is it that you have done to the extent that you must protect yourself to such a level? From now henceforth, we must go for this people."

He said the operation started two weeks ago and it will now focus on the entire Coast region.

NYALI SUBURB ON THE SPOT

Mr Marwa further said that Nyali suburb, a posh residential area within the county where a majority of prominent and powerful personalities live, is leading in harbouring illegal guns owned by “influential people”.

He described the upmarket Nyali as most notorious for having illicit firearms.

"Why Nyali? Some of ‎these people are protecting heroin and cocaine. What do you think they use those firearms for if not for protecting heroin and cocaine? These are barons,” Mr Marwa said.

“If you are not dealing [in] drugs, what will be your worry? If you see somebody carrying two guns, that is a dangerous criminal and he must (probably) be drug trafficking. Why all those guns?” wondered Mr Marwa.

Mr Marwa warned those licensed to carry firearms to use them properly as required by law.

“At the end of our operation, we will parade them (the firearms) to you and tell you the owners. We will give names. I do not care, and I will name them. You will see, just know that the work has begun, I will shock you,” he said.

SECURITY CONCERNS

When asked the reasons behind carrying out the operation at this stage, Mr Marwa said there are security concerns which need to be addressed.

He also said there is need for a level playing field ahead of the coming elections.

“We will not allow those (politicians) who are armed to intimidate their opponents or harass innocent candidates.

“We are not going to allow that just because you have been licensed to hold a firearm by the government,” he said.

Mr Marwa’s remarks came a day after Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar raised the alarm over alleged misuse of firearms by some licensed individuals in the county, saying it posed a serious security threat ahead of the elections.

On Tuesday, Mr Omar, who is eyeing the Mombasa governor’s seat, said that there should be a thorough scrutiny of some individuals, including powerful personalities and politicians in the county, who have been misusing their firearms.

On Governor Hassan Joho's security detail, Mr Marwa said he could not substantiate whether the county boss had more security guards than necessary as claimed by Mr Omar.

“What I know is that all the governors have been allocated five officers,” Mr Marwa said.