An incident that caused brief tension unfolded on Monday evening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after a firearm discharged unexpectedly within a restricted security area.
The situation occurred as Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe was preparing to travel to Mombasa on a Kenya Airways flight, accompanied by his official bodyguard.
According to police accounts, the officer was following standard procedure that requires armed security personnel to surrender their weapons before boarding a flight.
The pistol was being taken to the Kenya Airways security office so it could be safely transferred to the cockpit for transport to Mombasa. During this process, the firearm went off as the officer was conducting a routine safety check.
The weapon involved was identified as a Sig Sauer P239 pistol. Authorities confirmed that the bullet discharged without causing injuries to any passengers, airline staff, or security officers. Although the incident sparked concern among those nearby, airport operations were not disrupted for long, and calm was quickly restored.
Police officers at the airport secured the scene and began preliminary inquiries to establish how the discharge occurred.
Officials later stated that both the Cabinet Secretary and his bodyguard were cleared to proceed with their journey to Mombasa as scheduled.
Investigators are now reviewing the handling of firearms during air travel, with indications that new or tighter regulations may be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As this investigation continues, police in Kirinyaga County are dealing with a separate case that has raised alarm among residents. Officers are searching for two women suspected of drugging and robbing a man in Sagana Town, leading to the loss of a large sum of money from his bank account.
The incident reportedly took place early on Sunday morning. The victim told police that he had been at a bar in Sagana before losing awareness.
He later found himself inside a car, partially undressed, and missing personal belongings including his mobile phone, bank cards, and cash amounting to Sh10,000. Further checks revealed that Sh1 million had been withdrawn from his bank accounts after the encounter.
The man was eventually discovered in Kibirigwi shopping centre, several hours after the suspected poisoning.
He was rushed to hospital for treatment as police launched investigations into the incident. Medical officers are monitoring his condition as inquiries continue.
Police have expressed concern over a rising number of similar cases in the area. Authorities believe a gang may be using harmful substances to stupefy victims before robbing them, a practice they warn poses serious health risks. Investigators said the poison involved can cause long term damage to the human body.
In response to the growing trend, police have intensified operations and reported that at least three women and one man have already been arrested and prosecuted in connection with related cases. Officers have urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious behavior as efforts to dismantle the network continue.
