More civilians to carry guns

More civilians will be armed and additional reservists hired to boost security.

Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo said this will enhance security as the public will actively participate in the war against crime.

“We are in the final phase of determining whether arming more civilians or hiring more police reservists would be a valuable strategy to help in combating crime,” he said. Mr Kimaiyo noted that during last month’s attack at Westgate, armed civilians proved that it was safe to have guns in the hands of good people.

“Civilians, reservists and the police were able to work hand in hand to evacuate people at the Westgate mall,” he added. The police chief who addressed journalists in his office in Nairobi on Wednesday disclosed they were studying the concept used by Northern Ireland in its fight against fundamentalism.

The concept states that “it is better for the ‘guys with guns’ to be outnumbered by the good guys with guns.”

He, however, noted strict measures would be followed in identifying those to be armed.

“Civilians will be required to apply and be vetted before being allowed to carry guns,” Mr Kimaiyo said.

He added that the law allows the police to employ special police to help combat crime.

The police chief the public is allowed to volunteer information on individuals who can be hired as reservists or to be armed.

The Inspector-General called on Kenyans to embrace the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ concept which, he said would provide and guarantee security.