By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Government spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura has called for a national conversation over ownership of firearms by private individuals.
This follows what Mwaura says is an increased case of the number of people being killed by private firearm holders.
Mwaura made the call after visiting the family of a US embassy engineer, Anthony Njomo, who was shot dead outside a club in Kiambu a few days ago.
“We must urgently initiate a national conversation on private firearm licensing. It is profoundly tragic to lose precious lives to unscrupulous firearm holders,” the government spokesperson said in a post on his official social media pages.
He also assured that all those involved in the incident would face the full force of the law.
Some of those linked to the shooting of the 36-year-old have already been arrested.
A police officer is among three people linked to the incident who are in police custody.
“Anthony was shot dead in a lounge, ending his illustrious career as an electrical engineer with the US Embassy in Nairobi and leaving behind a young family,” Mwaura noted.
“The suspects behind his shooting have been arrested, and the government will ensure that justice prevails,” he added.
The funeral service for the late embassy employee was held at ACK St. Andrew’s Church, Ngegu Parish.
Meanwhile, the former nominated Senator urged club owners to ensure the safety of their patrons by preventing the entry of weapons and firearms.
Reports indicate that on the fateful day, a scuffle is said to have ensued outside the club when a gunshot was heard with those in the scuffle scampering for safety.
The cause of the scuffle is yet to be established what it was all about.
“We were shown the CCTV footage taken by the club outside and it shows our kin was speaking on the phone a few meters outside the club. All of a sudden people were seen fighting and a man holding a gun was seen firing. The next thing we see is our kin falling,” David Njomo, the spokesperson of the family of the late Njomo told journalists last week.
“Let no stone be left unturned by police. We want our kin to get justice since he is innocent,” he added.