MP Explains Scuffle That Made Him Draw Gun At Protestors

Nakuru Town MP Samuel Arama on Wednesday, July 19 explained why he was forced to brandish his pistol against an angry crowd of protestors who vandalised his hotel.

The demonstrators had pelted stones and broken window glasses of a hotel in the populous Ponda Mali area during the Azimio la Umoja anti-government demonstrations, setting off the lawmaker's visible fury and agitation.

The legislator slammed the protesters for violating the law on peaceful protests by destroying property when they inflicted damage on the hotel.

However, the protestors were angered by the MP's decision to use force by drawing out his gun on them despite backing him in the 2022 general elections.

Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama holding a gun on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. /VIRALTEAKE

"We are all Kenyans, also voted for Raila but he lost to William Ruto. Why should these people destroying property not get shot?" he posed.

The MP had instructed the protestors to either go home or return to their daily businesses, despite the protesters denying having vandalised any property in the area.

Arama further accused the police in the area of laxity, urging them to provide security to those that are peacefully picketing as per their democratic right and that they should take stern action against those taking advantage of the protests to loot.

In a viral video, the residents were seen surrounding the MP's vehicle parked in the street, demanding handouts.

Explaining the scuffle that led him to draw his weapon, Arama noted that he was on a visit to his constituents when he was alerted of protestors pelting his hotel with stones.

"I was visiting the constituency and was informed about demonstrators vandalising my hotel.

"This is not a peaceful protest as alleged. Raila should admit that he lost the elections and wait for another five years for the 2027 elections," he argued.

The demonstrators had barricaded roads including sections of the Nakuru-Eldoret highway as early as 8:00 am, lighting bonfires on roads leading to the Central Business District and engaging police in running battles.

Most businesses in the area remained closed while school-going children stayed at home.

The vandalised hotel reportedly belonging to Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama. /THE STAR

The Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) in a statement condemned the MP's behaviour stating that he demonstrated a threat to public safety.

"We urge the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and relevant authorities to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and the thoroughness it deserves. Failure to take prompt action would undermine public trust and confidence in our democratic institutions," read part of the statement.

Owning a Gun in Kenya

Anyone seeking to own a gun in Kenya must follow the process stipulated in the Firearms Act. Interested persons must make an application at the local police station, giving an explanation as to why they require a gun.

Some of the documents required during the process include a police clearance certificate, a letter from a psychiatrist, a certified bank statement on source of income, national ID, and clearance from the nearest police station among others.

It takes about three months to process the application. Applicants are required to pay a small fee for the official certificate.

Raila Gives Way Forward After Day 1 Of Protests

The incident occurred on the first day of the three-day demonstrations staged by the Azimio coalition. Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, earlier urged protesters to cease demonstrations for the day at 5 pm to rest and recuperate for the second day, despite he himself not showing up for the first day.