Government has revoked gun licenses for NASA co-principals Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka.
On Thursday, the Firearms Licensing Board revoked the licenses and asked the individuals affected to surrender their firearms by close of business.
Dagoretti MP Simba Arati was also affected by the new directive.
The Board’s secretary Samwel Kimaru in a letter dated January 30 told Arati as quoted by the Star, “You are unfit to be trusted with a firearm.”
The MP however, contested the board’s directive in court yesterday
Through his lawyer Arnold Ochieng, Arati told the Milimani Law Courts that revocation of his firearm license was against the rules of natural justice because there was no notice given.
He also the order was in breach of the Constitution because he had not been given a chance to be heard.
“The process leading to the making of the decision was accented with secrecy and driven by ulterior motives and political considerations in a manner that violates the provisions of the law and defeats the principles of the Constitution and right to fair administrative action,” said his lawyer as further quoted by the Star.
On the other hand, both Kalonzo and Mudavadi confirmed having received letters from the board on revocation of their firearm licenses.
Mudavadi questioned why his firearm should be withdrawn and license revoked after having it for the last 25 years yet he has not had any single incident where he misused it.
“I have a letter withdrawing my licenses as a firearm holder. I have held the firearm since 1993 and at no time have I misused it,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi said there is a purge on revocation of firearm licenses for a section of NASA allied politicians.
Every Kenyan aged above 21 years is eligible to be issued a firearm upon satisfying the conditions set by the Firearms Licensing Board.
On is also required to get clearance by the DCI before he/she is trained on handling the firearm.
Instances which inspire the revocation of a gun license is if the holder is of unsound mind or if one is found to be unfit to be entrusted with a firearm.