Kenya’s Battle With Violent Crime: Former Criminal Leads The Charge To Remove Illegal Firearms

Posted by: lukwago J in World news May 27, 2024

In a gripping account of Kenya’s struggle with rising violent crime, BBC Africa Eye embarks on a journey alongside one reformed criminal as he endeavors to persuade individuals to relinquish their illegal firearms, one gun at a time.

Unveiling the depths of remorse and the urgent need for change, this captivating story follows the anonymous young man, known as Samuel, as he confronts his past and takes courageous steps towards redemption.

Located in Kisumu, on the edge of Lake Victoria in western Kenya, Samuel meets King Kafu, a former convict dedicated to helping people break free from a life of crime.

Overwhelmed with nerves, Samuel reveals his hidden AK47 and expresses his newfound desire to surrender it to the police. His motivations are driven by the fear of his family’s suffering, the realization that his criminal activities could lead to his demise, and the absence of anyone to care for his loved ones.

With a genuine change of heart, Samuel resolves to return the weapon that has haunted him.

Alarming statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicate a staggering 20% increase in violent robberies last year.

The smuggling of illegal firearms across porous borders has rendered Kenya’s civilian possession of weapons unparalleled in East Africa, according to the Institute of Security Studies.

750,000 guns held by civilians in Kenya

The Small Arms Survey reports an astonishing 750,000 firearms held by civilians in Kenya, surpassing the combined arsenal of the army and police.

King Kafu, who once descended into a life of crime at the age of 15, now acts as an intermediary between those seeking to surrender their firearms and the police.

Having experienced the tragic fates of many former criminal companions, Kafu has transformed his life and leverages his role as a presenter on Ghetto Radio, a station popular among the youth in Nairobi’s slums, to denounce gun violence.

Over the past two decades, the Kenyan government has implemented amnesty programs as a means of curbing gun-related crimes, offering immunity to those who voluntarily surrender their weapons.

While thousands of guns have been handed in, this represents only a fraction of the illegal firearms circulating in the country.

During the investigation, BBC Africa Eye encounters a criminal who reveals the ease with which firearms can be acquired in Kenya, stating they can be purchased for 40,000 Kenyan shillings ($300; £240).

The fear of becoming targets themselves prevents many willing individuals from handing over their illegal firearms to the authorities.

BBC meets John

Allegations of police involvement in extrajudicial killings have further eroded trust, with over 800 deaths attributed to officers in the past five years, predominantly affecting impoverished young men.

Accompanied by Kafu, BBC Africa Eye meets John, an individual willing to part with his firearm but apprehensive about approaching the police.

He shares the tragic fate of a friend who confided in a community elder about surrendering two guns, only to be picked up by the police and later found in a mortuary. Trust and uncertainty loom large in John’s mind as he contemplates the safest way to hand in his weapon.

To assuage these concerns, Kafu contacts the local police chief, seeking reassurance of John’s safety. Together, they visit the police station, where the serial number on the firearm bears the KP mark, signifying its origin as Kenyan Police property.

At a press conference announcing the return of the weapon, Kafu seizes the opportunity to demand clear support and protection for these men from the government, emphasizing the need to foster trust and provide guidance to the youth.

While this act alone will not eradicate violent gun crime in Kenya, Kafu believes it serves as a pivotal starting point. With criminals placing their trust in him, he hopes to inspire more individuals to surrender their weapons without the looming fear of retribution.

Kafu’s unwavering commitment to fighting for the youth shines through, as he tirelessly advocates for love and support from the government in their journey towards transformation.

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