Coast Region Police Commander Ali Nuno./HANDOUT
Two foreigners have been taken into custody over a gun drama incident involving a governor and his driver.
The two Turkish nationals were arrested on Monday evening in Kilifi County after one of them allegedly drew a gun before punching the governor and slapping his driver.
The incident took place at Kanamai in Kilifi South when a vehicle being driven by the Turk cut through a convoy of ODM leaders who were leaving Vipingo to Moi International Airport, Mombasa, after attending the Central Committee meeting, hitting the governor’s car from behind.
When the driver stepped out to inquire, one of the Turks allegedly drew a gun and slapped him in rage.
It’s then that the Governor also stepped out of the car, only to be punched by the gun-wielding foreigner, police said.
Some of the ODM leaders, who included a senior MP and a fellow governor who were in the convoy, witnessed the tense incident that drew a crowd and lasted a couple of minutes.
The matter was later reported to the police. On Wednesday morning, Deputy Inspector of Police Eliud Lagat confirmed that the assaulted County boss reported the case, which is now being handled by Coast Regional Police boss Ali Nuno.
Nuno confirmed the two are in custody as investigations continue. The suspects are 60 and 52 years old, respectively.
The Coast Region police boss said appropriate action will follow once investigations are over.
“Visitors and foreign nationals can not be allowed to abuse the hospitality of our people. They should respect the law of the land, and any act to the contrary will face the full force of the law, which shall be applied, including but not limited to deportation,” Nuno said.
According to the police, the man who drew a gun is 60 years old and was arrested and charged with attempted murder in 2019 when he reportedly shot a villager who was among youths coming from a football tournament and allegedly blocked his way as he drove to his hotel near Mtwapa.
He also has a pending file of assault over a land dispute in the same location.
“One of the suspects was charged in court in 2019 over attempted murder,” Nuno said, adding that the man is registered as a refugee in Kenya.
Police say the man was issued with the gun in 2011.
“We have made an application to the Firearm Licensing Board to have his gun licence revoked,” Nuno added.
The incident comes a few months after a foreigner who was facing assault charges was filmed spitting at a police officer in Diani, Kwale County.