MPs to give up their guns after deadly market fracas

Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe fired indiscriminately towards an advancing crowd led by Kamenu MCA Peter Mburu. Kagombe who was admitted to hospital will also be required to surrender his gun. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

All firearm holders present during the skirmishes in Thika last week, which left one person dead and several others injured have been ordered to surrender their guns to Directorate Criminal Investigations headquarters.

A police source revealed that the firearms will be subjected to a ballistics examination to establish who shot David Nduati, a boda boda rider at Kiganjo market, which is being contested by the national and county governments.

Anthony Kamau, 46, was seriously injured by a bullet lodged in his chest. He is admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital, in critical condition.

Among the firearm holders present at the event were MPs and their bodyguards. They include Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Gabriel Kagombe of Gatundu South.

Earlier, a police report had indicated that during the melee, Kagombe fired indiscriminately towards an advancing crowd led by Kamenu MCA Peter Mburu. Kagombe who was admitted to hospital will also be required to surrender his gun.

Meanwhile, Central Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Bethuel Waweru Oburu called for patience as investigators probe the matter. "Already, several individuals have recorded statements and more are expected to document what they witnessed during the incident. A team of homicide and DCI experts has been dispatched from Nairobi and the central region office to try and piece together the required information before they conduct arrests," said Waweru.

Addressing media at Thika's SCCIO office on Tuesday, he said investigations taken the right direction and the matter will soon be accelerated. On Wednesday senior officers from the state Department of Housing and Urban Development led by Engineer B K Njenga visited the disputed market and erected beacons in preparation for construction works.

"Already, Sh54 million has been set aside for the construction of the market, and the contractor is expected at the site early next week to commence the work," said Eng Njenga.