Omar Hassan: Governor Ali Hassan Joho Has 35 Armed Men

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar who is also eyeing the governor’s seat in the coming general elections has raised a provocative issue over the misuse firearms by licensed individuals in the county.

The senator further retaliated that such an issue is likely to pose a security threat towards the coming general elections. While addressing a press conference at his Renaissance Center Office in Mombasa, Mr. Omar said that there should be a thorough scrutiny of some individuals.

Among such individuals is dominant personalities and people who have previously been using their firearms. The senator suggested that the government should ensure that the scrutiny allotted to senators and governors across the 47 counties should not exceed one escort and four officers who are supposed to guard their residents as per the directive issued by the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett.

 Contrary to the guidelines, he claimed that Mr. Joho “Is usually surrounded by 35 armed men” including police officers and private licensed gun holders which he liked “ to a police station and armory”. “Every time he moves around, there are people with 35 guns loaded with a total of 500 rounds of ammunition. That is an armory. Only the President and his Deputy can match him regarding such numbers. If he thinks, he is under threat by supporting his party leader…Raila Odinga himself has only four escort officers. Why move around with a whole police station… I don’t need police station around me,” Mr. Omar said at a news conference at his Renaissance Centre office in Mombasa.