Court orders board to renew MP Barasa’s firearm certificate

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa. [File, Standard]

A Nairobi court has directed Firearm Licensing Board to renew Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa’s certificate pending the hearing and determination of his petition

The court further ordered the board to return his firearm without any further condition.

Justice John Mativo on Friday evening quashed the decision by the State to confiscate Barasa’s weapon.

“The respondent does renew the firearms certificates number 004886 dated April 26, 2018, issued to Barasa for a further one year,” ruled Mativo.

On April 25, Barasa’s Glock 19 Gen4 9millimeter Serial number BDTA 702 was taken away from him.

The state was also prohibited from recalling two police officers attached to the MP.

The orders were issued after Barasa moved to court through his lawyer Danson Omari seeking intervention over the withdrawal of his firearm by the State.

The MP alleged that the move was politically instigated.

He said that it is an attempt to exert pressure on the MPs who have been openly supported Deputy President William Ruto.

He has also accused the Board’s Secretary Charles Mukindia of intimidation.

Barasa claims that the confiscation of his firearm has put his life in danger.

He claims he has received several death threats since the year began and he is apprehensive that his security detail might be withdrawn.

Barasa alleged that he was attacked by armed robbers in January this year on Mombasa Road.

According to him, he would not have survived the ordeal had he not been armed.

The Board Secretary and Interior CS Fred Matiang’i are listed as 1st and 2nd respondents in the suit.