Police contemplating allowing more Kenyans to own guns

By ROSELYNE OBALA and CYRUS OMBATI

Nairobi, Kenya: Authorities are contemplating arming more civilians or employing more reservists in a bid the strengthen community policing.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said the move will enhance security in the country if the public actively participates in the war on crime.

“We are in the concluding phase of a process to determine a strong policy position for community policing with a view to making a determination on whether arming more civilians or police reservists would be a viable strategy to help in combating crime,” he said.

He noted the recent attack at Westgate underscored the need to have more police reservists as well as arm more civilians.

“Civilians, reservists and the police were able to work hand in hand to evacuate people at the Westgate incident,” he added.

But he warned misuse of the firearms will be punished.

Kimaiyo added community policing is a valuable venture, adding that the law allows the police to employ special police under section 72 of the National Police Service Act 2011 to help combat crime.

He said the public will be allowed to volunteer information on individuals that can be hired to become reservists or to be armed.

SCREEN PASSENGERS

Other civilians will also be required to apply and be vetted before being allowed to carry guns.

“They can be able to supplement the work of the police,” he noted.

Kimaiyo, who addressed journalists in his office yesterday, disclosed they are studying the concept used by Northern Ireland in its fight against fundamentalism.

He urged motorists to be vigilant and insist on screening passengers.

“The public should be screened before the vehicle takes off, occupants must alert the driver and decline to travel if they discover anyone has not been screened,” he stressed.

He at the same time called on Kenyans to embrace the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ initiative. Kimaiyo noted this is a good concept, which if fully actualised will guarantee security in the country.

“We are still working on it with a view of enhancing its operational capacity before we implement it,” he said.