A key ally of Deputy President William Ruto has moved to court to sue Interior CS Fred Matiang’i over gun withdrawal row.
Didmus Barasa, Kimilili MP, is accusing Matiang’i of illegally confiscating his gun in a move he believes was politically motivated.
The vocal MP says it was an attempt to exert pressure on the MPs who have been openly supported DP Ruto.
Through his advocate Danstan Omari, Barasa claims that the confiscation of his firearm has put his life in danger.
The controversial lawmaker claims that he has received several death threats since the year began and he is apprehensive that his security detail might be withdrawn.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.
This comes barely two weeks when other politicians allied to Ruto had their security withdrawn.
Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa were the first to announce the move.
The politicians claimed the move was meant to blackmail them to abandon their support for Ruto.
“They want me to stop working with Deputy President William Ruto,” Ichung’wa said.
Police spokesperson Charles Owino has, however, come out to dismiss any malice in the move.
Owino confirmed that the leaders’ security detail had been withdrawn but said it was a normal police practice as new officers will be assigned.
“What is going on is a normal practice within the police where new officers from the Administration Police will be assigned duties for VIP protection,” Owino said.
Barasa now wants the Firearm Licensing Board compelled to renew his certificate and return his firearm.