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Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura has urged more stringent measures on private firearm holders after a US embassy staffer was killed outside a nightclub in Kiambu.

Speaking during a funeral program of Anthony Njomo Kiono, a former US embassy electrical engineer, Mwaura noted that the death was a tragic loss to the family.

“We must urgently initiate a national conversation on private firearm licensing. It is profoundly tragic to lose precious lives to unscrupulous firearm holders,” Mwaura said.

Mwaura calls for justice

Njomo was shot while on the phone outside of the Quikin Lounge & Bar in Kiambu town by a suspect who happens to be a police officer stationed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

“The suspects behind his shooting have been arrested, and the government will ensure that justice prevails,” Mwaura assured.

The suspect, Dennis Mwai Irungu, was summoned by the Kiambu County police commander and ordered to surrender his assigned Jericho pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition.

However, an affidavit signed by an officer of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) noted that the pistol’s serious number had been tampered with. Also, the gun’s trigger guard was broken.

Investigators believe that the firearm was the same one that was used to cut short the life of Njomo during the scuffle that ensued at the bar before he was shot dead.

Njomo was buried at his Ngegu home in Kiambu County on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

“I extended my heartfelt condolences to the Benard Njomo family on the loss of their son, Eng. Anthony Njomo Kiono, at Ngegu Village, Kiambu County. During a funeral service held at ACK St. Andrew’s Church, Ngegu Parish, where we gathered to celebrate the life of this remarkable individual,” Mwaura stated.

The suspects in the murder are currently in custody after the Kiambu Principal Magistrate ruled that they be detained for 14 days to allow police to finish up investigations.

CCTV footage at the club showed the suspects picking up a fight in the club before they proceeded with the altercation outside.

Mwaura to bar owners

Reports indicate that the two warring factions had disagreed over a woman with one of the sides claiming that the other was forcefully seducing their woman.

A spent cartridge was collected after the stray bullet hit and killed Njomo, who was on the phone and uninvolved in the brawl.

Mwaura urged bar and club owners to ensure the safety of their patrons by preventing the entry of weapons and firearms.

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