The debate on arming private guards is once again hitting the nation a time when the nation is experiencing security lapse with the public crying foul and giving divergent views over the matter.
The debate has been on and off whenever an attack occurs in our soil but the government has been reluctant on the matter although as it looks, the debate might be revived up for further digestion.
The plan by the government to allow the arming of private security guards to complement police work will be effected in strict adherence with the law.
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, the government will follow the proper procedure, as well as policies including public participation.
In addition, the guards will be trained by the police department before those to be armed can be identified for the issuance of the arms.
“Police will assist in training private security to determine those to be given firearms,” Dr Matiang’i said in an interview with a local newspaper.
According to the CS, Arming private guards would reduce the pressure on the government to provide bodyguards to VIPs.
So far some 750 illegal firearms and 13,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered following the vetting of gun holders, the CS added.
He said no one is allowed to own a military type gun without his permission.
“However, I will not give the exception on my own but forward the request to the National Security Advisory Council,” the CS said, adding that the issuance of licences to gun holders had been abused.
There has been an outcry from Kenyans over the high-calibre guns in civilian hands. He said an operation will soon be launched to flush out illegal firearms in the hands of criminals.
The CS expressed confidence in the ongoing police reforms and said a fully-fledged forensic laboratory to help resolve homicide cases would be in place before the end of the year.
“That is why the Government Chemist was moved to Ministry (of Interior), so that forensic health could benefit from the synergy,” he said.