Kilifi South MP Richard Chonga got reprieve on Thursday after the high court ordered the Inspector general of police to assign him security.
Chonga had moved to court seeking for reinstatement of his security and guns that were confiscated by the state last month.
While giving directions in the matter, Justice Hedwig Ong’udi has directed the IG to assign him one police officer to guard him pending hearing of his case.
“The first and second respondents are directed to assign one police officer to the petitioner as his security,” the judge ruled
In the petition, the Azimio affiliated legislator says his firearm was taken from him and also his security was withdrawn for no apparent reason.
Through Lawyer Danstan Omari, Chonga had asked the court to order the state to restore his security and firearms.
He claims that without any lawful reason, the regional police commanders took his two guns one being a Beretta Pistol and a Red Card.
On the same day, he claims that security officers attached to him were withdrawn without any notice or reason.
“The said withdrawal and confiscation of his firearms are manifestly unlawful, whimsical, irrational, unreasonable and a flagrant abuse of authority,” reads court papers.
Chonga argued that he had not committed or threatened to commit any crime that would justify the state to take his guns and withdraw his security.
“He is accordingly reasonably apprehensive that the withdrawal of his security and confiscation of his firearms is intended to curtail his interactions, duties and movements in the course of performing his official functions and in the enjoyment of his constitutionally guaranteed freedoms,” reads court papers.
Chonga further told court that for the past 10 years he has been a licensed firearm holder and has a license duly issued to him by the Firearms Licensing Board.
“Indeed, by dint of his current position as a Member of Parliament, there are now even more compelling reasons and circumstances that necessitate having the said firearms and ammunition in his possession,” reads court papers.
