By Laura Nyabang’a
In the early hours of June 4, 2025, at approximately 0125 hours, police officers on night patrol along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi apprehended four intoxicated male suspects at a petrol station inside a motor vehicle.
The intervention followed a tip-off from members of the public, who had observed one of the individuals brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, arousing suspicion.
“Upon searching the vehicle and its occupants, officers recovered a plastic revolver, six rubber bullets, and a knife marked ‘AK47’, stated the National Police.
All suspects who appeared intoxicated at the time were arrested and taken into custody for further questioning, and the vehicle was impounded as investigations continue.
Under Kenyan law, the Firearms Act (Cap. 114) primarily governs the acquisition, possession, and use of actual firearms.
However, the use of realistic imitation firearms can still cause public alarm and be perceived as a genuine threat, potentially leading to charges related to creating a disturbance, intimidation, or even attempted robbery if used in a threatening manner.
Authorities are likely to investigate whether these individuals had any intent to commit crimes using the imitation firearm to create fear or if it was merely a reckless act under the influence of alcohol.
The outcome of the ongoing investigations will determine the specific charges brought against the suspects and will shed more light on the potential misuse of such items in urban settings.