Former MP Cyrus Jirongo in trouble for allegedly misusing firearm

What you need to know:

  • Kilimani OCPD Peter Kattam said Mr Jirongo damaged businessman James Njenga’s motor vehicle after he shot at it three times.
  • On Thursday, another civilian licensed to carry a gun shot at and injured another motorist along Moi Avenue after an altercation.
  • Earlier in the week, a firearm was confiscated from a man who rammed into seven vehicles in Hazina Estate, Nairobi, and tried to shoot at neighbours who wanted to help him out of the car.

Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo is in trouble with the police after allegedly misusing his firearm in Nairobi early on Friday morning.

Mr Jirongo is being sought by the law enforcers after he allegedly fired at a motorist along Arboretum Road at around 2.00am. The motorist had tried to help him from a stalled car.

Kilimani OCPD Peter Kattam said Mr Jirongo damaged businessman James Njenga’s motor vehicle after he shot at it three times.

“He woke up and found that Mr Njenga had removed him from his car, a Range Rover, whose engine was still running,” he said.

Mr Njenga was driving on the road when he saw the car which was covered in smoke and he thought it was burning.

“Mr Njenga opened the doors where he found the driver asleep with his leg on the accelerator. He called some guards from a nearby apartment and together, they managed to get Mr Jirongo out of the car” Mr Kattam said.

SEARCHED HIS POCKETS

When they removed him from the car, he said, they recognised him and searched his pockets and removed a mobile phone that they used to call his wife.

“As they were waiting for his wife, Mr Jirongo woke up and reached out for his gun and shot at Mr Njenga who took cover behind his vehicle,” he said.

When the shooting began, Mr Njenga and a friend drove to the Kileleshwa Police Station and reported the matter.

If he is found to have misused his firearm, the police would disarm him, as ballistic experts investigate whether he shot at Mr Njenga’s car.

He could also be charged with malicious damage.

On Thursday, another civilian licensed to carry a gun shot at and injured another motorist along Moi Avenue after an altercation.

The victim was slightly injured in the forehead while the attacker sped off. Police collected a spent cartridge from the scene and are conducting their investigations.

Earlier in the week, a firearm was confiscated from a man who rammed into seven vehicles in Hazina Estate, Nairobi, and tried to shoot at neighbours who wanted to help him out of the car.

Lately, cases of licenced civilians misusing their firearms to settle personal problems have been on the rise in the country.

The Firearms Act, under the Security Laws (Amendment Act) 2014 has been amended and the Firearms Licensing Board established.