Man to face charges for losing gun

By Cyrus Ombati

A Mombasa businessman was arrested after he lost his gun to a woman he had met in a bar in Nairobi.

The businessman, who is licensed to carry a gun, arrived in Nairobi on Sunday night and decided to go to a popular bar along Tom Mboya Street.

He told police he had several drinks until 4am when he went for a short call.

He further said that before going for the short call, he handed his pistol to a woman he had been with at the bar, saying he trusted her, and also to enable him relieve himself with ease.

But he was shocked two minutes later when he came back to find no trace of the woman.

It was at that point he raised the alarm with the bar’s management, asking them to conduct a search.

Witnesses said the victim and security at the bar waited for the woman to come back in vain.

Police were immediately alerted and arrived minutes later. They conducted a thorough search for the pistol that had 14 bullets, but without success.

Some patrons claimed they had seen the woman before, but did not know where she stayed. Police have launched a major hunt for her.

Central OCPD Paul Kariuki said the businessman is expected in court this morning to face charges of mishandling his gun.

"There are so many disconnects in his claims but he will be taken to court," said Kariuki.

He warned whoever took the gun to return it, or face dire consequences.

Kariuki said once the recently passed Prevention of Organised Crime Bill 2010 becomes law, possessing an illegal gun will be severely punished.

It imposes life imprisonment for anyone caught with an unlicensed firearm.